Ferrari F1 team has gone the Mercedes GP Petronas way. They just launched their 2010 challenger, the F10, and as predicted there seems to be a heavy influence from the RB5.

The F10 has a longer wheel base than last year’s car which improves the car’s weight distribution because of the enlarged fuel tank owing to the refuelling ban. In the aerodynamic details front, the F10’s carries most of specifications from the previous F1 car. This car is believed to have an aggressive double diffuser.

One of the most striking changes is to the nose, which is longer and raised higher in the distinctive style of Red Bull’s 2009 RB5. The onboard camera housings, which every car must be fitted with, have been moved back from the tip of the nose.

The front-on shot reveals slightly smaller air intakes for cooling, which is most likely a consequence of this year’s car on having KERS. Under the skin the radiators are likely to be longer and narrower than last year’s to fit around a larger fuel tank, a compromise other teams will have to make.

There are small turning vanes in front of the sidepods, upon which the rear view mirrors are mounted. The sidepods themselves have a more sculpted aerodynamic shape.

The arrival of Santander means the car has white front and rear wings, as it last did in 2006. Former communications sponsor Alice’s logos are no longer visible on the car.

We here bring in some of the basic technical specifications that Ferrari has given though the information is not very revealing itself.

The F10 has a chassis made up of Carbon-fibre and has a honeycomb composite structure. This car features the Ferrari longitudinal gearbox, Limited-slip differential, seven speed plus reverse semi-automatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox for quick shift, Brembo ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes, Independent suspension, push-rod activated torsion springs front and rear and has a combined weight of 620 kg. Ferrari F10 features a Type 056 cylinder block in sand cast aluminium engine with eight cylinders which has been placed in a 90 degree V formation.

The drivers lineup include Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and the reserve driver Giancarlo Fisichella. It should be noted that 37 year old Fisichella who joined Ferrari from Force India last season to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa, had been linked in the media with another move given Renault and new teams US F1 and Campos are still to complete their driver lineups. But Giancarlo Fisichella has made his point clear that he would like to stay with Ferrari F1 team.