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Milan - Former world champions Fernando Alsonso and Kimi Raikkonen on Saturday helped unveil Ferrari's new F14-T car that the Italian team hopes to power to Formula One glory this year.
Ferrari's 2014 model, unveiled at the Scuderia's Maranello headquarters, features a number of modifications to fall in line with the many changes introduced for the new season by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
The F14-T is powered by a 1.6 litre, turbo V6 power engine and notably features a new-look nose which differs significantly to those seen so far on other 2014 cars.
Alonso, who won two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, replaced Raikkonen at Ferrari in 2010 as the Finn, who had won the title with the Italians in 2007, went on to take a break before returning with Lotus.
In his four years with Ferrari so far, Alonso has had to settle for three runner-up places and one fourth place (2011) amid Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's grip on the sport.
Raikkonen's return alongside Alonso, however, coupled with the new changes, is expected to herald a new beginning for Ferrari as they seek to loosen Vettel's four-year stranglehold on the title.
"Are we the strongest team? We hope to be," said Raikkonen, who scored a third and then a fifth place with Lotus in his two previous years after returning to the sport in 2012.
"We have the desire to win but only time will tell if we can bring the title back to Ferarri."
For Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, only one result will do at the end of the season.
"Even though we're the only team in the world who, when we finish second, it's considered a defeat, we're fed up finishing runners-up," said Montezemolo.
Alonso, whose contract with Ferrari expires at the end of this year, told the team's official launch site www.f14t.ferrari.com: "We've had opportunities (to win), especially in 2010 and 2012 so hopefully this year we will deliver."
The Spaniard added he was "curious" to see how the new rules changes in the sport would affect driving performances.
"For sure, the many changes made for this year will mean changes, with regard to driving styles... I'm curious to know what effect this will have on Formula One. I'm sure we'll find out soon."
The 19-race season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16. Ferrari will begin testing at Jerez in Spain on this week.
Ferrari F14-T (AFP)
