Ferrari’s new single-seater, predicted to be named the F2010, and set to compete in the 2010 Formula 1 championship will officially debut later this month on January 28 in Maranello. However, some are suspecting that it’s quest for the championship along with Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and already two time world champion Fernado Alonso may be over before they begin.

Two chassis of the 661 (internal codename designation) #281 & 282 are almost ready. One chassis will serve for a series of homologation tests at the ‘Centro di Certificazione e Analisi comportamentale’ in Bollate (about 10 km northwest of Milan). The other one will serve as a sort ’school’ for the mechanics who will have to learn how to quickly disassemble the entire car, to then assemble it again. A rigorous ‘training’ that takes less than a week before the Valencia test. The aerodynamic configuration will be revealed on the 28th or 29th in Maranello, Stefano Domenicali will announce the precise launch date on Wednesday at Madonna di Campiglio (where Alonso will make his first ‘official’ Ferrari outing).

Gazzetta Dello Sport published a full page article supporting details that we had suggested in our preview article of the 2010 Ferrari. The illustration is drawn by F1 technical journalist, Giorgio Piola. Check out our F2010 development topic on the forum for photos!

Ferrari is set to debut their car at a common launch along with the other teams at the end of January. Whilst developing the F2010 (under the internal designation 661), particular attention is being paid to the Ferrari 056 V8 engine. Ferrari are attempting to maintain the current level of power and torque while at the same time reducing the engine’s overall fuel consumption.

Ferrari has finally unveiled its new Formula 1 simulator in Maranello. The simulator has been one technology that was lacking compared to Ferrari’s rivals. Many F1 teams, McLaren in particular have made great use of in-house simulators to in designing their championship contenders as well as improving race-race competitiveness. Surprisingly, despite being at the forefront of Formula 1 competition for many years, Ferrari had no dedicated simulator facility of their own until today.

Just a few days ago I was browsing some forums, looking just for such information and you can be sure, that there were thousands like me doing the same. I came across a forum I frequent to find not only information and photos of work being carried out on the McLaren 2010 car, but a discussion of a new “downforce breakthrough” idea, that would make even the triple decker diffuser introduced by a loophole in the rule just last year obsolete.

The F2oo7, Massa used for his Mugello F1 test, may have been fitted with inferior demonstration tyres, but work towards returning to form with their 2010 contender continued unobstructed. In season aerodynamic testing is banned until February, but Ferrari, working hard on improving their 056 engine efficiency, were able to test solutions aimed at achieving this goal.

During the 3 day test in Jerez Spain, Ferrari besides evaluating upcoming F1 talent, managed to also gather new data that will be used in the development of the 2010 Ferrari F1 car. Ferrari focusing on next year’s “no refueling” rule, ran the F60 full of fuel along with an array of sensors in order to further understand the car’s performance. “We had lots of fuel today, looking towards next year, so we were not fast. But it was my job to do that because the team wanted to do it. We did a good job I think, because we did a lot of laps without any mistakes or problems. So we finished the day with 113 laps.

The season though technically not yet over (Brawn having secured both the Dirvers’ and Constructor’ titles), but the news is already buzzing amongst the Tifosi on Ferrari’s 2010 Forumula 1 Season challenger. We will try to piece together the rumors, news and information and paint a better picture of what we can expect to see from Maranello.