Ferrari FXX motorcycle to compete in 2009 TT
V4 engined Ferrari developed by Michael Schumacher will enter this year's TT
Ferrari FXX motorcycle ... 2 years in development
|
It was announced today in Modena, Italy that Ferrari will enter its new motorcycle codenamed the FXX-Mono in the 2009 Isle of Man TT Races. The team will field a top rider in the Superstock Race and the Senior TT.
The production bike launched today sports a 1000cc V4 produced at the company's headquarters, developing 195bhp. A special racing version has been produced which will run under the colours of Bertolli, one of Italy’s largest producers of spaghetti and olive oil.
The machine is revolutionary as far as motorcycles go. It features an all-carbon chassis design with the fuel carried beneath the engine, lubricants are carried in the swinging arm and the whole unit weighs just 167kg
The racing version which Michael Schumacher helped to develop has lapped the Ferrari test track at Fiorino at speeds over a second faster than Michael’s own superbike-spec Fireblade.
The Team will be led by ex-Honda boss Barry Symmons, who said at the launch of the team, “This Machine will usher in a new era for Ferrari. I am proud to be involved. We are in the final stages of buying the contract of one of the TT’s greatest stars to ride the bike, an announcement will follow shortly. I can not say more at this stage”
Senior Enrico Carbonara Vice President of Bertolli added, “ We are honoured to be associated with this fine project and look forward to great success”
Testing will continue at Monza early in April.
