New Ferrari F1 to be called F150 to honor Italian Republic

Luca di Montezemolo

(GMM) Ferrari's 2011 formula one car will be called F150, the famous Italian team has announced. The car, to be launched and given its track debut on Friday at Ferrari's headquarters, is named in tribute of the 150th anniversary of Italian unification.

"All the men and women who put so much effort and passion into their work at Maranello share the pride and responsibility of representing our country around the world and it is in this spirit that we chose to dedicate this car to an event that is so important for the whole of Italy," said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

A statement issued by the Maranello based team also said Giorgio Napolitano, the president of the Italian Republic, "took the opportunity to wish the Scuderia the best of luck for the forthcoming season" after being told of the 2011 car's name.

Last year's Ferrari was called the F10. Until now, the codename for the 2011 project was 288.

F150 is also known as a model of Ford's famous series of full-size pickup trucks.