Ferrari hits 800bhp with Suzuka engine

(21-Oct-98) - Ferrari looks set to break the records with a revised version
of its V10 engine, a version developed for use in qualifying at Suzuka.

The latest incarnation of the 047D unit is said to produce over 800bhp, the
first time a three-litre normally-aspirated F1 engine has been so powerful.

With 20bhp more than its predecessor, the new variation proved to be
"quite a step forward" when it was tested at Mugello last week.

Ferrari however, remained cautious. "In qualifying it may be possible
to use more power. We have tested some new solutions, but I don't know if
it will be enough to beat McLaren." said a spokesman.

Ferrari's previous engine was already regarded as the most powerful in F1,
but despite the new hike in power, it is not believed to be as driveable as
McLaren's Mercedes V10, a quality that is just as crucial in performance
terms.

The new engine could help Ferrari get Eddie Irvine ahead of Schumacher's
title rival Mika Hakkinen on the grid. Ferrari is hoping the Irishman can
prevent the Finn from grabbing the second place he needs to assure himself
of the title.

Irvine and Schumacher took turns last week to set the quickest laps
achieved by a '98 Ferrari at Mugello. The Irishman left the mark at
1m26.270s.

The engine was not the only piece of good news for Ferrari last week. It is
also said to have made dramatic steps forward with some new Goodyear rain
tyres Mugello.

700,000 litres of water flooded the track for artificial wet-weather
testing, sources in rival Goodyear teams say that the wets were worth as
much as four seconds a lap around the Italian circuit. That would increase
an already substantial Ferrari advantage over McLaren in the rain.

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