Some interesting details have emerged in Italian specialist publications about Ferrari's as yet unrevealed Formula 1 car for the 2012 season. Yesterday, Autosprint.it released illustrations by Giorgio Pioloa showing certain elements of the car such as the sidepods. These have reportedly been 'inspired by [last year's] McLaren' and exploit safety regulations for crash structures by innovating a wing-like aerodynamic effect.

The weekly automotive magazine said the car, likely to be called F12 or F2012, has 'many other features that should make it really extreme,' as per instructions of team boss Stefano Domenicali. According to a report, those who saw the shapes were not overly impressed because of a hump on the nose, but this should be smoothed out by the time the final version emerges. A controversial all-new feature, which will break away from a decade-old philosophy, is the Red Bull style pull-rod suspension, and an engine cover rear 'hole' similar to Adrian Newey's title-winning 2011 design.

The car's exhausts are allegedly going to exit higher than new regulations dictate in order that gases can flow onto the rear wing's main element. Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim the 2012 Ferrari has 'long, low and narrow' radiators and sidepods, and a very low seating position. An initial launch of the racer is to take place on 3 February, although for reasons of secrecy the version on display may not come equipped with the full list of features.