Ferrari launch car for 2017 as they bid to catch Mercedes

24 February 2017 10:24

Ferrari have unveiled the car they hope will rival Mercedes for the Formula One title.

The famous Italian constructor are bidding to bounce back from a thoroughly disappointing campaign in which they finished behind both Mercedes and Red Bull in the constructors' championship and failed to register a single victory.

Sebastian Vettel, the four-time champion whose contract expires at the end of this season, will spearhead their challenge alongside Kimi Raikkonen.

Ferrari have not won a drivers' championship in a decade with Raikkonen the last driver to triumph for the Italian marque after he beat the then McLaren duo of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton to the 2007 championship by one point.

The Ferrari launch from their Italian base in Fiorano follows in the footsteps of their rivals Mercedes who unveiled their latest car at Silverstone on Thursday.

Hamilton, who on Thursday claimed to be in the best shape of his career as he vowed to regain his title, will be joined by former Williams driver Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes following champion Nico Rosberg's retirement.

Source: PA