Читать книгу Ferrari: The Passion and the Pain - Jane Nottage - Страница 11

ON 15 FEBRUARY 1996 THE NEW FERRARI F1 CAR WAS UNVEILED

Another vital ingredient to the rebuilding of Ferrari was the return of Shell as a Ferrari partner, along with fellow sponsors Philip Morris, Asprey, Magneti Marelli, Telecom Italia, Goodyear and Pioneer.

The red hot passion of Ferrari combined with the cool, clinical, technical expertise of Shell is a forceful combination. Fuels and lubricants are a vital aspect of improving performance. In-depth research and development at the Shell Research and Technology Centre at Thornton in Cheshire, has led to a far more efficient and powerful engine. The engine was to be an important factor in Ferrari’s return to the top.

Completing the dawn of a new era for the Italian car giants, on 15 February 1996 the new Ferrari Formula One car was unveiled and presented to the international media. More than half a million people logged on to the Internet to follow the presentation ceremony. There was much hope and optimism that finally the tide was turning in favour of the stable of the prancing horse.

The passion of winning, the pain of losing. Ferrari has known both. But what is it about the red racers that continues to entice and seduce? Above all, what is it like to be a part of the team that is part of Formula One folklore? Let’s take a journey through the Schumacher era, 1996–98, and find out.