Ferrari's new car for 2008 will be an 'evolution' of its championship winning predecessor, according to chief designer Nicolas Tombazis. The Greek 39-year-old, who returned to Maranello early last year following a stint at McLaren, told the Spanish newspaper Diario AS that the F2008 will feature a shorter wheelbase than the 2007 car when it is revealed on 6 January. "Much has changed, although the car will be an evolution of the previous one," Tombazis said. "In 2007 we were faster on the fast circuits than on those with predominantly slower curves. We have worked on the weakness and solved it," he added. Tombazis also rejected suggestions that Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari's new world champion who joined the Italian team in 2007, faced internal criticism for his failure to communicate effectively with the team. "Kimi speaks little, but he says important things," Tombazis remarked, also explaining the Finn's apparent difficulty to adapt to Ferrari life early in 2007. "The change from Michelin to Bridgestone cost him, which is what happened to Alonso as well. He needed some time to understand his new team and environment," he added. "Since Indianapolis, however, he had a very strong end to his season," Tombazis said.
I'm happy to hear it. If Ferrari can also overcome those brain farts that seemed to plague them much of the year, they won't find themselves in a big hole to dig themselves out of at year's end.
