The earliest Ferrari V8 for Formula One was the Tipo DS50, introduced in 1954 and used in the Ferrari D50. It was a 2,488 cc (152 cu in), 90-degree naturally aspirated front-mounted V8, producing between 260 bhp and 285 bhp. The engine competed under the 2.5-litre formula of that era and represented Ferrari's initial exploration of the V8 layout at the top level of single-seater racing.
The second V8 emerged under the 1.5-litre formula that governed Formula One between 1961 and 1965. Designed by Franco Rocchi and Angelo Bellei, the Tipo 205/B displaced 1,489 cc (90.9 cu in) and developed 207 hp (154 kW) at 11,000 rpm. It was used in the Ferrari 158, with a bore and stroke of 67.0 mm x 52.8 mm. After the 1.5-litre formula ended, Ferrari returned to larger-displacement configurations, and the V8 layout was not revisited for four decades.
Following a 42-year absence from the V8 layout, Ferrari introduced the Tipo 056 when the FIA mandated a 2.4-litre V8 configuration for all Formula One teams beginning in 2006. The engine was developed under engine chief Paolo Martinelli and designed by Gilles Simon.
Development began in mid-2004, with the first test drives conducted in August 2005 using a modified F2004 as a test mule. The engine management system was supplied by Magneti Marelli, and the road car engine department contributed to the development process.
Configuration: 90-degree V8
Displacement: 2,398 cc (146.3 cu in)
Bore: 98 mm
Stroke: 39.75 mm
Valves: 4 per cylinder
Maximum rpm: 19,000
Power output: approximately 597 kW (801 hp)
Torque: approximately 325 N-m (240 lb-ft)
Weight: 95 kg
Exhaust: two outlet pipes
On the first race weekend of the V8 era at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher secured pole position in the Ferrari 248 F1 powered by the Tipo 056. The engine's first victory followed three races later at the San Marino Grand Prix, again driven by Schumacher.
The Tipo 056 proved highly competitive across its eight-season lifespan. Ferrari achieved nine victories in a single season on three separate occasions — in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Fernando Alonso recorded the final victory with the Tipo 056 at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix.
Over its competitive career, the Tipo 056 accumulated 39 victories from 147 races (38 by Ferrari, one by Toro Rosso), 29 pole positions, and 48 fastest laps. Ferrari drivers and customer team drivers combined for 122 podium appearances. The engine contributed to Ferrari winning two Constructors' Championships and one Drivers' Championship during the V8 era.
Beyond the Ferrari works team, the Tipo 056 was supplied to several customer constructors. Red Bull Racing used it in 2006 before switching to Renault. Scuderia Toro Rosso ran the engine from 2007 to 2013, recording the engine's sole non-Ferrari victory. Spyker used it in 2007, with successor Force India continuing through 2008 before switching to Mercedes. Sauber ran Tipo 056 engines from 2010 to 2013. The engine was succeeded by the Tipo 059/3 turbocharged V6 hybrid unit introduced for the 2014 season.