JANUARY 19, 2013

Ferrari evolves pull-rod suspension from last season

Ferrari is sticking with its pull-rod front suspension layout for 2013, technical director Pat Fry has confirmed.

Ferrari is sticking with its novel 'pull-rod' front suspension layout for 2013, technical director Pat Fry has confirmed.

Last year, the Italian team stunned its rivals by reviving a concept not seen in F1 since Minardi raced around at the back of the grid in 2001.

Fernando Alonso ultimately came close to winning last year's title, but it is true Ferrari initially struggled with its F2012, which even when heavily developed was never the most competitive car in the field.

Asked if the 'pull-rod' project was worth it, Fry told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "It was certainly not our problem.

"You get get a little aerodynamic advantage from it. We solved the structural problems well."

One of the issues is that the layout makes it hard for the mechanics to work on the front of the car, but Fry said an "evolution" is ready to debut in 2013.

"We will build on it, but it will look different," he revealed. "I would not be surprised if some others follow suit.

"When we talked about it for the first time, the first reaction was 'This is crazy'. But if you weigh up all the pros and cons, it's not so stupid," added Fry.

(GMM)