Ferrari F2003-GA

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Ferrari F2003-GA
Michael Schumacher 2003 Silverstone (cropped).jpg
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorScuderia Ferrari
Designer(s)Ross Brawn (Technical Director)
Rory Byrne (Chief Designer)
(Head of R&D)
Aldo Costa (Head of Chassis Design)
Marco Fainello (Head of Vehicle Dynamics)
Nikolas Tombazis (Head of Aerodynamics)
James Allison (Chief Aerodynamicist)
PredecessorF2002
SuccessorF2004
Technical specifications
ChassisMoulded carbon fibre & Honeycomb composite structure
Suspension (front)Independent suspension, pushrod activated torsion springs
Suspension (rear)Independent suspension, pushrod activated torsion springs
Length4,545 mm (179 in)
Width1,796 mm (71 in)
Height959 mm (38 in)
EngineFerrari Tipo 052 , 3.0 L (3,000 cc; 183 cu in) , V10 (90°) , Naturally Aspirated , in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel-drive layout
Transmission7-speed Semi-automatic Sequential Limited-slip Differential Gearbox + reverse
Power845 horsepower (630 kW) @ 18,300 rpm[1]
Weight600 kg (1,323 lb)
FuelShell Fuel
LubricantsShell Lubricant
BrakesCarbon brake discs, pads and calipers
TyresBridgestone
BBS Racing Wheels : 13"
Competition history
Notable entrantsScuderia Ferrari Marlboro
Notable drivers1. GermanyMichael Schumacher
2. BrazilRubens Barrichello
Debut2003 Spanish Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
1271355
Constructors' Championships1 (2003)
Drivers' Championships1 (2003, Michael Schumacher)

The Ferrari F2003-GA was a highly successful car used by Scuderia Ferrari in the 2003 Formula One World Championship. The chassis was designed by Rory Byrne, , Aldo Costa, Marco Fainello, Nikolas Tombazis and James Allison with Ross Brawn playing a vital role in leading the production of the car as the team's Technical Director and Paolo Martinelli assisted by Giles Simon leading the engine design and operations.[2] Its development was based on the previous Ferrari F2002, but featured new bulbous sidepods and a lengthened wheelbase to aid aerodynamics. The engine and gearbox were developed versions of the previous model. The car was designated "GA" as a mark of respect to Gianni Agnelli, the recently deceased head of Fiat.[3]

The car was introduced just before mid season in 2003, as the F2002 was seen as good enough to be competitive whilst the F2003-GA was developed further. The car was fast and competitive as it won 3 out its first 4 races, but had a tendency to overuse its tyres, which led to several late race tyre problems in mid seasons, causing a slight drop in form during the unusually hot European summer. As a result, Williams and McLaren were able to mount a consistent challenge to Ferrari and push Michael Schumacher for the championship.[4]

After Bridgestone engineers discovered Michelin were using tyres which changed construction, causing the French tyre maker to provide remoulded tyres late in the season.[5] Ferrari became competitive again as it won the final 3 races of the season, and were able to hold off both Williams and McLaren for the Constructors' Championship, whilst Schumacher snatched his sixth Drivers' title, breaking Juan Manuel Fangio's record which had stood for 46 years.[6]

The car won seven races, five pole positions, and five fastest laps before being replaced with the dominant F2004 in 2004, a car which was almost identical to its predecessor.

On 11 December 2003, after the season had finished, Michael Schumacher raced the car against a Eurofighter Typhoon of the Italian Air Force over several measured distances to determine which was faster, the aircraft or the car. The Typhoon won all of the runs.[6]

Ferrari used 'Marlboro' logos, except at the French, British and United States Grands Prix.

A Ferrari F2003-GA at Museo Ferrari

Complete Formula One results[]

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position, results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Points WCC
2003 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 052 3.0 V10 B AUS MAL BRA SMR ESP AUT MON CAN EUR FRA GBR GER HUN ITA USA JPN 158* 1st
Germany Michael Schumacher 1 1 3 1 5 3 4 7 8 1 1 8
Brazil Rubens Barrichello 3 3 8 5 3 7 1 Ret Ret 3 Ret 1

* 32 points scored with the F2002B

References[]

  1. ^ "Ferrari F2003 - GA (2003) - Ferrari.com". www.ferrari.com. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  2. ^ Günther Raupp (2008). Ferrari. 25 years of calendar images. Ediz. multilingue. teNeues. pp. 64–. ISBN 978-3-8327-9283-1. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  3. ^ "2003 Ferrari F2003-GA". conceptcarz.com. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  4. ^ "2003 Ferrari F2003-GA - Images, Specifications and Information". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  5. ^ "2003 – Michelin Denied". www.racefans.net. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b Masefield, Fraser. "Reliving the Day Michael Schumacher Raced His Ferrari Against a Fighter Jet". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
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