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AP (Associated Press)
Ferrari unveils 2007 car

Ferrari may change drivers; it may upgrade the technology. The famously red paint stays the same.

Ferrari unveiled its latest Formula One racer on Sunday, the F2007 -- the team's 53rd single-seater model. The covers came off at Ferrari's test track as it bids to regain supremacy after two years without winning either the driver's or constructor's championship.

Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and newly signed Kimi Raikkonen, who replaced Michael Schumacher, attended the ceremony.

"I saw the car in the wind tunnel before Christmas and I've seen it again today," Massa said. "The car is very beautiful and has many more extra details than the one from 2006 ... I'm really motivated to drive the car."

Aldo Costa, who heads up Ferrari's chassis department, said that the aerodynamics had been completely remodeled and that the F2007 was "excellent in terms of safety."

The chassis has been modified to accommodate a new front suspension, Costa said. The air inlets on the main body and the rear axle are tighter and more tapered, taking advantage of the more sculpted shape of the gearbox housing. The car also has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.

Following more stringent safety regulations introduced by governing body FIA, the new car's cockpit has been reinforced to improve driver protection, leading to a weight increase of almost 10 kilograms.

When loaded with water, lubricant and either Massa or Raikkonen, the car weighs about 600 kilograms.

The position of the rearview mirrors, the exhaust system, and the basic engine structure remain unchanged from the 2006 car.

"It will be really exciting to see the car run on the track tomorrow," Raikkonen said. "I don't know when I'll drive the new car, but we'll know more tomorrow at the end of the shakedown."

The F2007 will be tested for the first time by Massa on Monday at Fiorano.

Raikkonen joined Ferrari from McLaren-Mercedes after Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, retired at the end of last season. Schumacher remains with Ferrari as a special adviser.

Fernando Alonso of Spain won the driver's world championship in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, which also took the constructor's title. Alonso will race for McLaren this season.

Schumacher won five world titles with Ferrari between 2000-2004.
 

 
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