Ferrari launch F2012, the car for the 2012 season, on their official website on February 3rd, 2012. [Photo: ferrari.com]

Drivers of Force India attend the launch ceremony of their new car VJM05 on February 3rd, 2012. [Photo: CFP]

by Yu Yachen for CRI Sports

Following an unfortunate snowfall at Maranello strangled Ferrari's plans to hold a launch ceremony for their 2012 car, the Italian team's car has presented to the world on their official website.

Pull-rods in the front and rear suspension give the single-seat car a lower center of gravity, resulting in strong aerodynamic performance.

Ferrari equipped the new machine with a stepped-nose and a narrowed rear end.

Also, an updated hydraulically-operated DRS (Drag Reduction System) was installed on the F2012 to make the drive more competitive on the track.

While some people consider the new car to be less than attractive because of its distinct "hammerhead" appearance, Ferrari chief designer Nikolas Tombazis stood up to defend the design.

"I have to confess that I am not objective about this, as I don't share that opinion," Tombazis said. "For me, I have gotten used to the bump on the nose. I think the rest of the car has been the fruit of a lot of detail work."

Ferrari's Felipe Massa was confident about the new car and looked forward to the upcoming season as well. "This is something that was part of my dreams. I really trust the team and the new car. It looks really, really aggressive."

Stefano Domenicali, the team principal, said that they will ensure the car's reliability in the following few days, testing the new Pirelli tyres.

Meanwhile, Force India revealed their 2012 challenger VJM05 at Silverstone.

Like Ferrari's F2012, VJM05 adopts the stepped-nose design to satisfy the new regulation that requires lower noses.

"With what the guys have achieved with the car, I can't wait to get in it," Paul di Resta of Force India said during the presentation ceremony.

Di Resta's teammate Nico Hulkenberg also expressed his excitement about driving the VJM05 in the 2012 season. "The new car is quite exciting, and like Paul, I can't wait to drive it next week."

Except Marussia, all other 11 teams will participate in the first official pre-season testing session at Jerez next week.