Maranello: Ferrari unveiled their new F150 car for the Formula One season on Friday, promising Fernando Alonso he now has the means to recapture the world title after last year’s slow start and calamitous finish.

The Italian team and oldest in the sport could not keep pace with eventual champions Red Bull in the early 2010 races but are confident they can make an immediate impression at the first 2011 Grand Prix in Bahrain on March 13.

“We start off with reliability, this is the basis of our work,” team principal Stefano Domenicali said, as the covers were whipped off in a marquee next to the Ferrari factory wind tunnel in northern Italy.

“We want to arrive at the first race with all the details ready. Last season had difficult moments but also beautiful ones and we must begin again from there.

“The team is motivated and always wants to improve.”

As well as the reintroduction of the Kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and new moveable rear wings, the F150 has a bigger nose and has the Italian flag painted on in homage to Italy’s celebration of 150 years of unity.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo was present at the ceremony along with the team’s other driver, Felipe Massa, aiming to improve on a poor season last year.