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Scuderia Ferrari were the first to unveil their challenger for the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship. Named F150 to mark hundred and fifty years of the Unification of Italy, the car was unveiled by drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at Maranello on Friday. The F150 carries the tribute to Italy on its rear wing as well, with the Italian tricolor painted on the flexible rear wing.

Updated to comply with the new FIA regulations, some of the more obvious changes in the F150 are the hydraulically adjusted rear wing and the re-introduction of KERS, which has also affected the placement of the exhaust ducts. Also missing are the double diffuser and controversial F-duct.

The major upgrade in the F150 is a totally redesigned aerodynamic system, which no longer allows drivers to adjust the aerodynamics as much. But they will be able to use the flexible rear wing to their advantage some more. The aerodynamic changes have also affected the underbody of the F150; it does not have any holes in the central part anymore.

Initial impressions of the F150 point to a higher monocoque than the 2010 challenger, F10, consequently the team has made major changes in the front suspension. Similarly, the rear suspension too has been redesigned, as has the braking system.

One aspect of the car that remains very similar to 2010 is the engine. The F150 will still use the 056 engine, a legacy of the engine freeze the teams have agreed to. Though suitable tweaks have been made, the engine on the F150 is essentially the same.

In 2011, the FIA has also introduced new tyres, all teams will now use Pirelli. Though Ferrari have covered some miles on the new boots, the real affect of the tyres can only be measured once the new car goes through some intensive testing.

But these are just the first specs. Like all cars, Ferrari can expect major changes when the car actually runs out of the factory and on the track. The team have committed to a two phase development process. In the pre-season tests the team hopes to focus on the aerodynamics and suspension. Changes to the chassis, if any will be only be made after the first few races of the season.

The first shakedown of the F150 is scheduled for Saturday, when Felipe Massa will take the car out for its first public run. But intensive testing will only begin on Tuesday (1st Feb), when Ferrari join the other teams in Valencia for the first big test of 2011.

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