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New Ferrari 'different' - Domenicali

Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo are hoping for a race-winning new car © Getty Images

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• Drivers:
• Stefano Domenicali
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• Luca di Montezemolo

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Stefano Domenicali has described the new Ferrari as "different" and "not that pretty" but is not worried as long as it's quick.

Ferrari switched focus to the 2012 car mid-way through last season after falling out of title contention, and Domenicali said the aim was to start the new season with a race-winning car. Speaking at Ferrari's Wrooom media event, Domenicali admitted that the new car was not pleasing on the eye but that it wasn't his primary concern.

"It's definitely different," Domenicali said. "It's not that pretty, because the shape defined by the technical regulations does not leave much scope, but - and this is what counts really - our hopes are that it is at the very least quick."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo also said that looks wouldn't bother him, with results the key.

"I'd like it to look lousy," di Montezemolo said. "I say that provocatively because I want it to be a winner, reliable but also 'simpatico' in the sense that it knows how to win with a smile."

One concept Ferrari might have to work on is a ride-height mechanism that is rumoured to have been pioneered by Lotus. A report in Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the device stabilises the car under braking by providing a constant ride-height when the front of the car would normally dip. Autosport reports that the mechanism is legal because it is reactive to brake torque and not driver activated, but Domenicali said the team was awaiting clarification from the FIA.

"What you are talking about, is more related to having stability under braking," Domenicali said. "It is a system that I know there have been some documents in writing between the FIA and the teams. We are waiting for the final confirmation if this kind of devices will be acceptable or not. But for sure we are looking around these sorts of devices to see if they contribute to a performance. But we need to wait and see what will be the reaction to the FIA on that."

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