Page 1 of 1 For the Scuderia Ferrari, 2007 was a watershed year. Gone were the successful team of driver Michael Schumacher, team principle Jean Todt and chief engineer Ross Brawn. Together they had won six Constructors' and five Drivers' World Championships, so they left very big boots to fill. Their places were taken by Kimi Raikkonen, Stefano Domenicali and Aldo Costa respectively. Scoring nine wins in 2006, the 248 F1 was also a tough act to follow.
With its predecessor already so successful and relatively stable regulations between the two seasons, it is no surprise that the subsequent F2007 was an evolution of the existing design. Much of the work over the winter focused on a revised front suspension, which saw Ferrari move from a single- to twin-keel arrangements for the lower wishbones. The wheelbase was lengthened in the section between the cockpit and front suspension to further maximise the aerodynamics potential of this area. Additionally, the F2007 also boasted re-sculpted side-pods and all-new front and rear wings.
Ahead of the 2006 season, the engine regulations had been drastically revised with a reduction in displacement from 3- to 2.4-litre and a maximum number of cylinders set to eight. These relatively small engines could rev to over 20,000 rpm, which did not help the reliability. To sort this issue, a 19,000 rpm rev limit was imposed for the 2007 season. This prompted Ferrari to update the V8 with changes to the combustion chamber, valves and pistons. The water and oil systems were also modified to suit the new requirements. As before, the Tipo 056 engine was mated to Ferrari's own seven-speed, semi-automatic gearbox, which was operated through paddles behind the steering wheel.
Raikkonen immediately showed why he had been signed by Ferrari by grabbing pole, setting the fastest lap and scoring a victory in the opening round of the World Championship. He was the first Ferrari driver to win his first Grand Prix for the team since Nigel Mansell back in 2007. Massa won round three and four but it would take until the eight round that Raikkonen was back to his winning ways. Thanks to a highly successful end to the season with three wins in the last four races, Raikkonen was crowned World Champion, just a single point ahead of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. With a combined nine wins, the F2007 also secured the constructors' trophy for Ferrari.
For the 2008 season, the F2007 evolved into the F2008. With eight wins, this was again a successful design and brought one more constructors' championship to Ferrari. Massa ended the year runner up in the championship. Since 2007, no Ferrari driver has won the World Championship. Page 1 of 1
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For the Scuderia Ferrari, 2007 was a watershed year. Gone were the successful team of driver Michael Schumacher, team principle Jean Todt and chief engineer Ross Brawn. Together they had won six Constructors' and five Drivers' World Championships, so they left very big boots to fill. Their places were taken by Kimi Raikkonen, Stefano Domenicali and Aldo Costa respectively. Scoring nine wins in 2006, the 248 F1 was also a tough act to follow.