Ferrari Formula One F2012
The words ugly and Ferrari don't usually share the same sentence but, after the Italian giant's unveiled their latest model ahead of the approaching F1 season, opinion has been divided over its looks.
The new F2012 features an angular frame that appears far removed from the sleek contours that the famous 'Prancing Pony' has been renowned for during its heyday. There is a dramatic step on top of the chassis in response to regulations aimed at improving safety by lowering F1 cars' noses.
Even team boss Stefano Domenicali used words such as 'not pretty' and 'lousy' when describing the new car. "It's not that pretty, because the shape defined by the technical regulations does not leave much scope," he admitted.
Ferrari have not won a world drivers' title since 2007 and the company is hoping the car's new design will give them the edge.
Lead driver Fernando Alonso said: "We have to be optimistic. We have to fight for the title."
Ferrari only managed to win a single race in 2011 when Alonso triumphed at the British Grand Prix and is determined to make ammends this year. The company has restructured its technical team, with Englishman Pat Fry replacing Italian Aldo Costa as technical director, and there are high hopes for the new car.
The F2012 has several significant features. The step on the nose not only meets new regulations on the dimensions of the chassis but also opens up the area under the nose to create optimised airflow.
The tightly waisted rear end features exhaust outlets aimed at the rear floor in a bid to improve areodynamics now that the technology used to increase downforce by blowing gases along the rear floor of the car has been banned.
Alonso added: "(The car) looks very different from what we have seen in the past two years. I am going to start with the same strength, determination.
"I really want to see red cars always on the podium and always winning. We will keep working all together and I'm sure we will do great this year.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo praised the team's "aggressive" design, adding: "We want to go back to the top level, we want to win. We don't want to lose the world championship at the very last race, we have all the ingredients for a perfect recipe."
Only time will tell if this somewhat ugly duckling can can become a winning swan this season
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