The 2011 Formula One season has had its fair share of fantastic feats and disappointing decisions. While many had predicted Red Bull’s rise to prominence, the poor performance of the once legendary Ferrari has left quite a few fans yearning for more. Hoping to improve themselves as well as impress their fans, the team is working tirelessly on their new vehicle, slowly getting ready for its unveiling in early February.

Certainly a team to watch out for, the president of Ferrari, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, stated at Ferrari’s Christmas party last Wednesday that the car is nearing its final stages of completion. He said that the year was indeed difficult and that “we know how to lose, but now that’s enough.” Ready to live up to its reputation, the boss said that he is ready to put more energy into the team, revitalizing it for the years ahead.

This moves reflects the motives seen in September at an interview given by the Stefano Domenicali. Speaking to the Associated Press, the team principal revealed that Ferrari is excited about next year’s vehicle and that they were working 100% on it since the beginning of July. With a great deal of investment and though placed in the car, the innovative project hopes to alter more than a few notable details in the vehicle.

Based on the team’s schedule, the first test of the season will take place on February 6^th in Jerez, Spain. This will only be a few weeks away from the opening of the 2012 season in Melbourne, Australia on March 18^th.

A shabby season for Ferrari, its popular driver Fernando Alonso took only one victory this year at the British Grand Prix. While this was certainly not a horrible performance, especially so since he finished in fourth place, it certainly shows a great divide between what Ferrari was and what it is now. Furthermore, Alonso’s teammate Filipe Massa managed to get sixth this year, falling short due to a few crucial mistakes this season. Not having won a single race after this life-threatening accident in Hungary in 2009, there are rumours that he’ll be replaced in 2012.

Trailing behind McLaren as much as Red Bull, Ferrari hopes to correct any flaws with the car and their strategies, readying the team to take its competitors by the horns.

Many of us have gotten into car accidents. While some are more severe than others, we can all agree that they are fairly common occurrences. Capable of happening anywhere and at any time, news channels very rarely have the time to report each and every one of these. However, once in awhile, one occurs that quickly captures our attention, changing the way we appreciate cars forever.

Such an occurrence happened this morning in Japan, where some 14 vehicles caused chaos in the south prefecture of Yamaguchi. Rather than being your run of the mill Toyota’s or Ford’s these were perhaps the most well known vehicles on the planet. Comprising of some eight Ferrari’s, a Lamborghini, three Mercedes and two other vehicles, the news of this ultra expensive crash has been reported all over the world

Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that the accident occurred when one of the Ferrari drivers tried to change lanes but accidentally ended up hitting one of the barriers. One thing led to another and all the cars ended up quite damaged. Video footage and pictures are now spread out all over the web, documenting the event from multiple angles.

Patrol lieutenant Eiichiro Kamitani said that he’d never seen or expected such a thing. He suggested that since the speed limit was only 80 km/h and the cars were as damaged as they were, the vehicles were obviously travelling at considerably higher speeds. Recent reports suggest that the convoy was travelling between 140-160 km/h. At such, the lieutenant suggested that it only took a few seconds for all those cars to come crashing into one another.

Recent reports put cost of this now scrap metal at around 300 million yen or roughly £2.5 million. This is not surprising seeing the huge list ranging from 355’s to F430’s. Indeed, recent reports suggest that while some of the vehicles remained reparable, others were no longer recognizable.

As these vehicles were designed for high-speed collusions this not surprising of to hear that all the drivers escaped serious injury. Indeed, police reports suggest that only 10 individuals were treated for cuts and bruises.

It is certainly a fascinating and sad day to see such beautiful cars lay beaten across the road. While this accident serves as a good example of high-speed dangers, one would hardly believe that Ferrari drivers would ever limit their speeds. Nonetheless, it will certainly be interesting to see how these individuals file their insurance claims.

Few companies have the same pedigree as the prancing horse.  Each and every model is meticulously crafted to be the best I can be, ultimately meeting and breaking certain standards. Constantly innovative, Ferrari has recently unveiled the 599 XX Evo, the latest addition to its car family. Set to replace the 599 and the Enzo based FXX, it looks like the company finally managed to outdo itself.

The Evoluzione, or evo for short, is the next step in the evolution of the model. Similar to the FXX, the vehicle is not street legal but nonetheless offers an incredible boost in speed. In many ways the car offers its very wealthy driver a peak into the next-generation performance technology that will slowly make its way into the standard line.

What sets this car apart from other Ferrari’s is its modified Enzo-sourced V12 engine. Capable of producing 750 bhp at 9000 rpm and 700Nm, it will certainly impress. Furthermore, at 200km/h the car produces a total downforce of 330 km with flaps open and 440km if closed. With all this behind the hood, Ferrari recently stated that the car was capable of completing its notoriously difficult Fiorano test track in just 1 minute 15 seconds.

Furthermore, this car is set to change Ferrari aerodynamic forever, offering numerous improvements over standard techniques. Premiering its ‘open gap’ design, the car uses 2 flaps similar to ones used in F1 cars to judge the downforce between the front and rear axles. These work together with SCM, ESP, ABC and F1 traction controls to balance the car out. Auto-Types has noted that the car will have modifications made to the front and rear splinter as well, helping with its aerodynamics.

Lastly, Ferrari has been ever keen to cut down the weight of the car. Here, aluminum is used to reduce the weight by 77 pounds. Every pound counts, costing the car much needed speed. This decrease combined with its new Pirelli tires has Ferrari hoping that it will be just enough to make this car its best.

To be revealed at the 26^th edition of the Bologna Motor show in Italy, the car will certainly be turning a few heads on tracks soon. While there is no information about the price, if the FXX’s price tag says anything it certainly won’t come cheap. So if you’re in need of a fast track car and are willing to shell out a lot of money then the 599XX Evolution will certainly be the right car for you.

The 2011 Formula One season has been filled with twists and turns. The last race took place in Brazil on Sunday with nearly 5 million viewers witnessing it all come to a close. But as many F1 enthusiasts know, while the racing may be over new team tactics, designs and drivers are currently on every teams mind.  Now hoping to for a return to Formula One, Kimi Raikkonen is preparing in body and mind for the 2012 season, eager to recapture what he once had.

Having signed a two-year deal with Lotus Renault GP, the Finnish driver brings with him a huge amount of experience and talent. Having been crowed world champion in 2007, the driver called F1 quits in 2009 to pursue a career in rallying. Already won 18 races and had 62 podiums in F1, he is certainly a valuable commodity.

While he initially entered into negotiations with Williams, he decided that Lotus would be his new family. The Lotus team stated that they were delightful to have such a driver on their team. He said that the he was “hungry for F1” and that it was a “easy choice to return with Lotus Renault GP.” He stated that he was impressed by the team’s ambition and looked forward to push the car as far as he can in the years ahead.

The BBC reported that there was initially some confusion about Renault’s line-up. The Polish driver Robert Kubica was scheduled to drive but unfortunately suffered a rally accident in February, causing many to question whether he will return to Renault. While his managed suggested that he’s focused on a 2012 return, critics remain skeptical.

Raikkonen first entered F1 in 2011 with Sauber and managed to score points on his debut. The year after that he signed with McLaren and eventually signed with Ferrari in 2007. The BBC reported that in 2007 he was neck-and-neck with Lewis Hamilton for the world championship. Due to a gearbox problem Lewis was unable to secure the points and allowed Raikkonen to be crowed. However after this win he was unable to recapture his high performance, ultimately being overshadowed by Felipe Massa.

Now poised for a return, it looks like Raikkonen could be making headlines once more. If his driving is anything like it was before f1 drivers should certainly begin to worry. Returning to the sport with a 579 total career points, it looks like the 2012 season will as exciting if not more so than the previous one.

The European economy is on the verge of collapse. With Greece currently dealing with its biggest crisis in history the rest of the world looking eagerly on this contents issues, hoping to get some resolution to the situation. Not far behind, Italy has also had been dealing with its own financial problems, with many calling for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to resign.

One of the most prominent of these advocates has been the chairman of Ferrari, Mr Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. One of the biggest luxury car executive in the world and former head of Fiat, Mr Montezemolo is one of many who have published a letter in the Italian Daily La Repubblica stating their views about Mr Berlusconi. He has openly stated that he wants a government of “national salvation” rather than a chaotic mess. He stated that the country has reached a “point of no return” that will only get worse if the unorganized Prime Minister continues his course.

The paralysis has caused the car industry, as well as the country, to ground to a halt. The present Prime Minister has instigated a confused economic policy, offering ambiguity rather than reason. Mr Montezemolo has stated that the time to act is now, trying to salvage the countries savings, social system as well as the car industry. He stated that Mr Berlusconi has placing his own ambitions ahead of the good of Italy, placing it in it in one of the worst positions ever faced.

It is not surprising to see the head of a luxury brand making sure that his company is safe. Its profits are based on stability, a resource that Italy is not capable of offering. With a current debt calculate to be €1.8 trillion or 120% of the GDP, Italian companies as well as the rest of the country stands to lose everything. It is therefore not surprising to see the head of such an important company take the lead against its greatest threat.

The billionaire tycoon has been at the centre of attention since his first day in office. Taking jabs at President Obama as well as Chancellor Merkel, he has not seen a day without indignity. While the sex scandals may have been bad to his reputation, the fiscal crisis may prove to be the Prime Ministers end. While there is still a great deal of development left, let us hope that a resolution is reached sooner rather than later.

For those that have missed the F1 race, or indeed any part of the season, this is a quick update as to what went on and how everything has been going so far.

At the Singapore Grand Prix Red Bull appears to be at it again with another win for Sebastian Vettel. The driver has been obliterating his opponents left and right this season, having amassed a grand total of 309 points. After securing a prominent pole position, the 11^th so far, the German driver raced during the 61 laps only being slowed down slightly when the safety car was use midway through the race. This will be the drivers 9^th victory this year alone, making him the likely world champion this year.  Red Bull racing has, with Mark Webbers 3^rd place and 182 points, constructed 491 point so far, bringing them once more to the top of the league.

Behind Vettel was Britain’s knight in shining armour Jenson Button. After finishing the race he said that Vettle was impossible to catch. He seemed happy with the second place victory, saying it took him quite some time to find the rhythm. Once he locked on he was able to put ’10-12 qualifying’ lapse together in terms of speed and race towards his goal, only a few seconds behind Vettel. This will be place Button at 185 points, ultimately being the only individual who will be able to challenge Vettel. McLaren has put together 353 points this season, making them the powerful challenger for the thrown of power.

Last on ‘who’s who’ list is Fernando Alonso who has to this date amassed 184 points. He has recently gone on the record as saying that he only has the third fastest car in Formula One, a car that needs to be altered in order to gain him greater victories in the years ahead. While his place is certainly strong, he was unable to beat the tougher opponents due to tyre degradation as well troubles with outfit bracing.

With only a few races left, the next race in Japan will certainly be tense. Only 10 days remain so mark your calendars, it’s set to be one great competition.

Formula One drivers live on the edge of our reality. Every time they enter their carbon-fibre contraptions they enter a world defined by competition and speed. The pressure to win sometimes get the better of them, causing each of them to take risks in order to gain that necessary edge. However, it doesn’t always work out, causing some to veer out of control and crash. This is what despondently happed to the Sauber-Ferrari Kamui Kobayashi.

Those keen enough to have seen yesterdays qualifying match at the Singapore Grand Prix will have seen the driver crash at the 15-minute mark. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is known to many as being an unforgiving track, one that will take revenge on the drivers given the chance.

Wrecking his car, the mournful Kobayashi was quoted as saying that he was very sorry for what had occurred. He lost control on the chicane, hitting the barrier when he nudged against the kerb. The driver immediately knew what went wrong after the accident took place. He wanted to fight to gain a place but unfortunately he was unable to do so.

After the crash the driver was immediately taken to a medical centre in order to get checked out. There was no indication during the race that he was hurt, upon medical examination his healthy condition was verified.

Such a mistake put the driver in the 17^th place in todays race. It is a shame that such a small mistake could result in devastating results. Now the mechanics and engineers must make sure that everything is fine for today’s competition. This quite a tall order seeing as the damage done to the vehicle was more than a mere scratch.

Kamui Kobayashi hails from Japan and competed in GP2 series raced before entering Formula One in 2009. Beginning at Toyota he now raced for Sauber, he has already raced 24 times and earned 62 career points. He finished 2010 in 12^th place with 32 points, ultimately showing how a 25-year-old driver can do.

When an average car crashes into something, most reporters simply fail to notice it. Millions of vehicles throughout the world have accidents on a daily basis therefore noting their importance becomes a never-ending quest; however, on occasion a car of some significance does fall pray to human error and it instantly becomes newsworthy. Such an occurrence happened this week to a rather rare Ferrari that accidentally found itself in the middle of a lake.

Taking place during the Targa Newfoundland Rally, Zahir Rana and his co-driver Roland Linder drove their modified Ferrari Enzo into a river in Newfoundland, Canada.  Taking part in the 2,2200 km race over five days, the drivers lost control on a corner and the car punished them for it, drifting uncontrollably into the river at a relatively high speed.

Those that absolutely adore the Enzo should not worry as the car is fine. After the drivers quickly escaped out of the vehicle, the racing crew simply used a crane to take the Enzo out of the water.  After a quick inspection, engineers found that the luxury vehicle only had minimal damage, focused mostly on the bodywork that is cosmetic. Rather than the more serious mechanical problems that might have resulted, the car looks like it will one-day race again.

The accident came to everyone’s attention after it was placed on the popular video sharing website YouTube. Getting over 1.5 million views already, it looks like it may be setting records among car enthusiasts. Called simply “Enzo crashes into ocean at Targa Newfoundland 2011,” it is certainly heart stopping to see such a brilliant car sink into water.  Let us hope that they fix it quickly so that it may once more be one of the most exotic and sexy looking cars on our roads.

The Ferrari Enzo line, built between 2002 and 2004, is considered by many to be the pinnacle in vehicle engineering. Running on a 12-cylinder engine, the car is directly descended from the Formula One line. Accelerating from 0-62 mph in 3.1 seconds, the highest speed recorded so far was 220 mph. With the line having come to a close, the 400 models set sell between £800,000 and £1,000,000.