Let's Ride with Felipe Massa in Bahrein.

Helmet cams are our favorite, the ideal placement and the only one that properly conveys the idea of what the driver sees and where he's looking.

True for your track videos and true for Formula 1 drivers, in this clip the camera is not quite at Felipa Massa's eye level as he drives the F60 around Bahrein but on top of his helmet. We see much more than Felipe ever could....and you still don't see the new 2009 spec wide front wing!

And here is the rest of it.

Massa: 2009 car is like a Go Kart.

"We came from Formula 1 cars  with high downforce loads to drive, essentially, Go-Karts.  The new car is very different to drive, it slides a lot more.  Even if the tires have more grip, that grip is only there when the tire is fresh, two to five laps,  then it becomes more and more difficult to drive.  The rear is much more lively and reminds me a little bit of a Kart."

Massa, in this interview after the  Mugello test session,  goes on to say that the Ferrari KERS worked better than anyone expected and that reliability was good.

Interesting that this year, the Pope, Mclaren and Ferrari have all started YouTube Channels.  There must be a connection!

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More 2009 Formula 1 testing video

From January 21st. Alonso and Hamilton on track. Check out the extended front wheel covers on the Mclaren, outboard brake cooling ducts?

1º. Sebastien Buemi - 1.29:435 - 56 laps
3º. Nico Rosberg - 1.33:816 - 64 laps
2º. Fernando Alonso - 1.34:610 - 52 laps
4º. Lewis Hamilton - 1.38:962 - 27 laps
5º. Timo Glock - 1.41:923 - 44 laps



Raikkonen comments on KERS

Q: Is everything working ?
Raikkonen: ''On both days the use of KERS has given positive results, the system works well like all the other new components.''

Q: What changes with KERS ?
Raikkonen: ''You have more power but it's only for such a short time that I don't think it can change things a lot. It may be an interesting invention but I don't think it's decisive.''

Ferrari F60 video and the rest of the interview after the jump

Q: What are your first impressions of the F60 ?
Raikkonen: ''It's always nice to step into a new car but it's not easy to give a judgement due to the weather. The track was very slippery and unfortunately we haven't been able to do the work we planned to do, nor could we push the car to the maximum or simulate a Grand Prix. The tyres are not a problem, we've already tested them before Christmas. In short, the first good and real impression is that all the new parts on the car are working wonderfully and the only regret is that we haven't been able to work according to schedule.''

Q: Massa said that the F60 seemed different to him in terms of driving.
Raikkonen: ''I don't know. I don't have precise references at this track to judge the difference.''

Q: Was there a reason behind the visits you paid to the gravel traps ?
Raikkonen: ''Absolutely not, the car perhaps slipped away because the tyres were not yet up to temperature. Also, there was no problem during the laps in the afternoon: it rained and it wasn't worth risking to destroy the car.''

Q: Do you think it's right you're testing at Mugello instead of at Portimao ?
Raikkonen: ''I believe it's also raining there. At least here we're close to home and it's easier to send people from the factory to the circuit back and forth in case it's necessary.''




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Ferrari F60 debut helmet-cam video

More videos after the jump

2009 Ferrari F1 Presentation: the F 60

No, It's not going to look like this but you can see the real thing for yourself, the live unveiling will be at 9AM Maranello time or 3 AM EST. on Ferrari's web site




(Update): That spec drawing was not too far off: It's called the F60 and yes, thar rear wing is a shocker.





And here is the rest of it.

Ferrari F60-FX150's amazing specs

A "leaked" internal memo describes specs for Ferrari's next hyper-car to be "available" in 2009:

• Twin Turbo mid engine V8, 794hp/772nm torque.

• 0-100km/h, 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds.

• Top Speed 390 km/h - 242mph.

• 7 speed transmission.

• 1300kg - 2866lbs.
  

Projected price....  1.2 to 1.3 million Euros!