Ferrari step up work on next year's challenger

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Tuesday 19th August 2008

Although Ferrari are intensify work on their 2009 challenger, Aldo Costa says they will continue to develop this year's F2008 in a bid to win the World titles.

With seven races remaining on this year's calendar Ferrari are leading the Constructors' Championship by 11 points over McLaren while Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa find themselves locked in a three-way battle for the Drivers' title.

The battle is currently being led by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton with Raikkonen five points adrift in second place and Massa a further three behind.

But even though they are fighting for the titles on both fronts, Costa has revealed that work is being stepped up for next year's Championship.

However, given Ferrari's resources the tech director is confident Ferrari can prepare for the introduction of major rule changes without it impacting on this year's Championship race.

"We are entering the production phase for the main components of our 2009 car; parts such as the chassis and gearbox," said Costa, Ferrari's technical director.

"Ferrari has the ability and resources to work on next year's car, without having to relax for one moment on continuing the development of the F2008 in a Championship that is proving to be very tight between ourselves and our usual opponents.

"However, it is a very demanding challenge. Although it is a challenge we have faced many times before, it is particularly tough this time, as there are so many new elements coming into play for next season, such as the return to slick tyres and the introduction of the KERS system.

"This makes the puzzle more complicated than ever, which is why we have to operate as efficiently as possible in terms of time management, commitment and energy, as we are now in a delicate phase with no way to recover from any mistakes. One step in the wrong direction could prove very costly."

However, in the short-term Ferrari are intent up for this weekend's European GP, which takes place at the new Valencia circuit.

"As for this weekend, and at the risk of repeating ourselves, our aim is the same as ever: to ensure that every element of our package and team works to its maximum as we strive to bring home as many points as possible and hopefully being the first to put our names on a Valencia trophy."