F2007 ushers in new era for Ferrari.

With neither Michael Schumacher or Ross Brawn - or even the new car - in sight, Ferrari's launch for the F2007 may have had a different feel to it, but the team was nonetheless preaching the same targets for the coming season - to reclaim both the drivers' and constructors' titles.

Choosing to conduct a somewhat low key launch at its base in Maranello, the new F2007 will physically first appear at Ferrari's Fiorano test track, where it will sport a slightly revised livery that will lose most of the white decals that came with their Marlboro sponsorship, although there will still be something of a subliminal message in that, instead of resorting to outright branding, the shade is closer to the that of the tobacco brand than ever before. It also goes some way to replacing the loss of Vodafone sponsorship.

Nonetheless, while there was no car to be seen at the venue, Ferrari was able to reveal the specifications of the car it hopes will see it recover the titles that have eluded the Scuderia since 2004, claiming the new F2007 is a 'significantly modified' version of the 248 F1, instead of an entirely new concept.

Sporting revised aerodynamics and front suspension, the F2007 has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, while a revised gearbox housing means the rear is narrow than before. However, things at the rear represent few changes, with the engine freeze limiting any alterations to the F2007's V8 unit, while the suspension is also little different to that on the 248.

Up at the front though, there are visible changes to the aerodynamics, with a new front suspension that represents 'a major conceptual innovation', while the shape of the sidepods and their openings have also been revised, based on modifications to the cooling system.

"The methodology of the project and the development of the car has been under the sign of continuity," said chassis designer Aldo Costa. "Last year, we adopted an aggressive approach and, this year, we will work with the same rhythm in development as in 2006. This was our aim and we hit our target.

"The aerodynamics have been completely remodelled. Above all, the front suspension, the air inlets on the main body and the rear axle are tighter and more tapered, to benefit also from the new architecture of the gearbox. We worked a lot on the chassis considering the new crash tests, which are much more severe."

Together with new technical director Mario Almondo and sporting director Stefano Domenicali, both Felipe Massa and team-mate Kimi Raikkonen were on hand at the launch, where both drivers revealed their intention to snatch back the title that Fernando Alonso and Renault have held for the last two years.

Furthermore, it is also expected to be revealed that Michael Schumacher will be enlisted to provide technical support at several races this year to aid Massa and Raikkonen, although it is believed he will not test the new car.

More to follow...