Ferrari F2008 Shark-Fin Engine Cover

Ferrari have included a heavily-revised engine cover. This full-height shark fin profile (inset) is almost identical to those already introduced by Red Bull, Renault, Toro Rosso and Force India. This revision improves the car's rear-end efficiency and balance, and to enhance its straight-line stability at high speeds. It better manages airflow close to the engine cover, and in particular reduces turbulence generated by spillage from the engine air inlets. This addition could well be used at the season's remaining races, albeit with ongoing revisions. With traction arguably the F2008's weak point at the last round in Hockenheim, even a small improvement in rear downforce should prove beneficial.

Ferrari F2008 Vertical Slits In Rear Diffuser

Ferrari Team made some modification on the F2008's aero package in Hungary was this vertical slit in each side wall of the diffuser's central section. The increased pressure generated by airflow passing through the slits helps improve the extraction of airflow in that central section of the diffuser. This in turn helps to slightly increase the downforce generated underneath the car in this area, resulting in better traction - something that was lacking at the previous race in Germany. This change will almost certainly be retained for the remainder of the season, after it proved effective in improving the overall balance of the F2008.

Ferrari Challenge Of 2008

The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Championship is back on track in Europe, Italy and North America, following-up a thrilling and close run season of racing in 2007. Again, the series will feature the stunning Ferrari F430. Following its debut in 2006, the Shell-powered Ferrari F430 replaced the 360 Modena Challenge in 2007, after an interim season in which both cars took to the rack.

The F430 was born from a desire for an even more "GT Style" car in terms of equipment and above all performance. While it is powered by the same 490-bhp V8 engine as the normal roadgoing Ferrari - in fact Ferrari prepares and provides engines to all teams - there is a notable Formula 1 influence across various aspects, including the brakes, which for the first time on a Ferrari race car use carbon-ceramic technology (CCM). One other major departure is the Ferrari F430 gearbox, which, unlike a GT car gearbox, is fitted with its own oil-cooler to reduce operating temperatures and ensure the life of the engine under racing conditions.

The series is the chance for Ferrari enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a unique Ferrari event. Customers are given the chance to enjoy their cars in a structured competitive environment, racing against other Ferrari owners. The competition format means that all drivers have the same engine and technology, so spectators can enjoy watching evenly matched, enthusiastic drivers in fierce competition with 'streetable' Ferrari racing cars.

And, of course, as with all Ferrari GT cars, the F430 Challenge competition cars are fuelled and lubricated by Shell. Once again, Shell products are tested to the limit by these highly tuned supercars, with on-track learning experiences passed back to Shell's engineers, who strive to continuously develop better products for road going motorists around the world. Shell even goes as far as to award the "Shell Cup" to the best gentleman driver each race. From the driver's seat or from the grandstand, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a perfect way to enjoy passion for Ferrari and performance.

Shell V-Power In The F1 F2008

Fuel is a subject often discussed in Formula One circles, but nearly always in relation to its weight and repercussions on speed, or its role in pit stop strategy and the distance a Formula One car can travel before it re-fuels. Interestingly, what is often overlooked and rarely considered is what fuel does inside the engine to achieve performance in these areas. Shell and Ferrari work closely together to develop their fuel advantage in this respect.

Ferrari F2008 Shark-Fin Engine Cover

Ferrari have included a heavily-revised engine cover. This full-height shark fin profile (inset) is almost identical to those already introduced by Red Bull, Renault, Toro Rosso and Force India. This revision improves the car's rear-end efficiency and balance, and to enhance its straight-line stability at high speeds. It better manages airflow close to the engine cover, and in particular reduces turbulence generated by spillage from the engine air inlets. This addition could well be used at the season's remaining races, albeit with ongoing revisions. With traction arguably the F2008's weak point at the last round in Hockenheim, even a small improvement in rear downforce should prove beneficial.