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Le Mans Prototype Ferrari . Will Ferrari quit F1 for 2010 and race prototypes instead? .
With the world of Formula One in disarray, the teams are considering other options if they decide to leave the sport.
Ferrari, the most prestigious brand in F1, are particularly upset with the proposed regulations for 2010 and have made it clear that they will walk away if the FIA do not modify them.
With Luca di Montezemolo, the president of Ferrari, scheduled to serve as the honorary starter for this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans race, speculation is high that Ferrari are considering building an LMP1 car to compete with the likes of Audi, Peugot, and Aston Martin. Probable 2010 or 2011 Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso will also be attending the race.
The ACO's LMP regulations offer more technical freedom than those of Formula One. For example, it is up to each team to choose between normally aspirated or forced induction engines. A variety of fuels, such as gasoline, ethanol, and diesel are allowed, as are multiple cylinder configurations.
Hybrid drive systems are being developed by some LMP teams. Formula One is expected to use a standardized KERS system next year, which would relegate all of Ferrari's KERS development to the wastebasket. Prototype racing would allow them the freedom to further improve the system, potentially enabling the transfer of the technology to their road cars.
Will we see Massa, Raikkonen, and Alonso sharing a car like this next year?
Scale: 1:16
Length: 36 studs
Width: 16 studs
Special thanks to Mulsanne Mike for creating and maintaining Mulsanne's Corner, an excellent source of information for racing prototypes where I found much inspiration for this model.
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