F 2003-GA

• ‘GA’ suffix has been added in honour of the late Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli (deceased 24.01.2003)
• Grand Prix Australia, Malaysia and San Marino: Races with F 2002 – S/Ns  222, 223 and 225
• 13th Constructors World Championship for Ferrari with 158 points.
• 13th Driver World Championship for Ferrari and 4th Driver World Championship titel for Michael Schumacher with Ferrari – 93 points
• 6 Grand Prix victories by Michael Schumacher
• 2 Grand Prix victories for Rubens Barrichello

Ferrari Press releases:
Source: Ferrari

07.02.2003: The new F2003-GA launched at Maranello

Maranello, 7th February 2003 – The new Ferrari F1 car, launched today at Maranello at 11:12:17AM, will be known as the F2003-GA. The official designation of the car partly follows tradition, while the ‘GA’ suffix has been added in honour of the late Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli.

07.02.2003: The futuristic New Logistic GES is the setting for the unveiling of the F2003-GA

Maranello, 7 February 2003 – The F2003-GA, the Ferrari single-seater which will dispute the 2003 Formula 1 World Championship, was unveiled in the pavilion of the New Logistic GES situated at the Fiorano track.Antonio Ghini, Director of Communications and Brand Management, had then honour of presenting the new car and of explaining that the choice of location was not a random one.The realisation of the futuristic building that is the New Logistic GES, is part of the wider `Formula Uomo} project, born in 1997 with the construction of the F1 Galleria del Vento. Ferrari has always been known for the excellence of its motor cars and it was President Montezemolo to encourage strongly, through `Formula Uomo}, that this excellence also be reflected in the buildings and the work environment.So, to underline the close relationships between technology and the environment, last year the presentation of the vehicle was made at the New Meccanica site, constructed between the end of 2001and the first few months of 2002. After today}s presentation in the Logistic GES, next year there will be a choice between the New Paint Workshop and the Technology Building, the construction of which are already underway.

F2003-GA, the forty ninth single-seater Ferrari

The F2003-GA is the forty ninth single-seater built by Ferrari to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. The basic design concept is unchanged from that of the F2002. Attention has been paid to optimising aerodynamic efficiency in addition to further lowering the car’s centre of gravity. All areas of the car have been completely redesigned in an effort to get the maximum performance out of the new 052 Engine and the Bridgestone tyres.The chassis is new, both in terms of design and construction saving weight and improving structure over the previous F2002 chassis. The bodywork, radiators, exhausts and the rear end have been redesigned, leading to a further increase in aerodynamic performance. The mechanically operated power steering is also a new design.The front and rear suspension elements have been revised, to maximise the performance of the Bridgestone tyres and to improve the efficiency of the aerodynamic package.New materials have been introduced to reduce the weight and size of the Engine and transmission. Like its predecessor, the new 052 Engine is load-bearing and is mounted longitudinally. As usual, Shell made a significant contribution to the evolution of the 052, both in terms of fuels and lubricants, to ensure maximum performance and reliability. While maintaining the same position and longitudinal mounting, the gearbox is completely a new design, achieving both a reduction in dimensions and weight. The gearbox is cast in titanium with seven speeds (plus reverse) and is electro-hydraulically operated with a sequential shift. In keeping with a trend initiated by Ferrari and now almost universally adopted in F1, the car is fitted with a high level exhaust system, the same layout as seen on the F2002.The car’s centre of gravity is lower than that of its predecessor, producing a further improvement in weight distribution for both chassis and Engine. Ferrari believes that with the F2003-GA we have taken a further step forward maximising the performance of innovative materials and design whilst utilising advanced quality control techniques and philosophies to ensure safety and reliability.

07.02.2003: Montezemolo: ‘The challenge is in our DNA’

Maranello, 7th February ‘ ‘We feel as this is our most important season ever from a certain perspective,’ was President Montezemolo’s opening remark at the end of the launch of the F2003-GA. He added that this was traditionally a time to analyse the past, but above all to look to the future and ask ourselves what we can expect.‘The year just ended can be regarded as unrepeatable in terms of Scuderia Ferrari’s sporting achievements and for the economic success of the Ferrari Maserati Group,’ said Montezemolo. ‘However, we know we must keep our feet on the ground. Being a car manufacturer is a difficult business and in Formula 1, the competition is always very fierce.‘We are often asked what is the secret of our success and we will always respond in the same way, explaining that it is down to three closely linked factors which we apply to our work every day. First and foremost is our organisation, the quality of our workforce who do their job with great passion without ever losing touch with reality. Stability is vital and I refer to it in Ferrari as a dynamic stability. We have people who have been working here for many years and that also applies to the drivers the Engineers and the general managers, as the group continues to consolidate. At Ferrari it is possible to grow from within and at the same time, the youngsters have the chance to grow and learn.‘The second key element is the backing our all our sponsors and suppliers. At its heart, Ferrari is a small company which is up against the real giants of the car industry and we would not have achieved what we have to date without FIAT, our major shareholder. We are part of a group and we are proud of it. FIAT has supported us, not only economically but also on a human level, providing us with the best possible working environment.‘When the ‘Enzo Ferrari’ was created, as our most innovative and extreme car, I felt a duty to dedicate it to our founder. Now, and with much emotion and gratitude on behalf of everyone at Ferrari, we wanted to dedicate this new F1 car to someone we all miss a great deal and I miss him very much personally. Avvocato Gianni Agnelli. The Avvocato was a fundamental cornerstone in my life for over 35 years and he was particularly important in the difficult years, first for Enzo Ferrari and then for me. From 1992 to 1999, we worked very hard to get back on top and his support was invaluable. For this reason, we are all very happy that this car bears his name.’Formula 1 is all about continuous evolution and you cannot afford to stop, because if you do you go backwards. That is why the role of suppliers is so important. We have close links to this area rich in passion and ability, but at the same time we collaborate with the best companies in the world which supply us with high quality products, innovation, experience and know-how. Without them and without our sponsors we would not be capable of beating all the records.I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a great leader, Chris Gent of Vodafone who is now leaving the company, but already in the first year of our collaboration, has brought his company to share in our success. The third and final element is the spirit, the courage and the fact that challenge is part of our DNA. Given last year’s results, I ask myself what improvement one can make on a car which won 15 races out of 17. The spirit of this car is exactly that latest improvement. Apart from that is the importance of the technological transfer from Formula 1 to our road cars. This year, the championship will be an even tougher fight than the last one and the regulations have changed. We are in agreement with the changes and we take a positive view of this reinforcing of the rules as long as they take into account the general interest in Formula 1 and the fact it represents the most advanced technology. ‘In a country which has a great capacity for looking to the future and is very dynamic, Ferrari will play its part for its shareholders to contribute to maintaining the FIAT name at a high level on the world stage. There are those who say our motivation will not be the same, but I have to deny that. We do not know what challenges lie ahead, but with great humility we will try and win 5 consecutive constructors’ titles for Ferrari and the drivers’ title this year. We have the spirit and the capability to do it.’

07.02.2003: Schumacher: ‘I hope the car is as fast as it looks!’

Maranello, 7th February 2003 – After the presentation Michael Schumacher faced the media to expand on his comments from the stage. ‘I hope the new car is as fast as it looks,’ began the world champion. ‘But now we must find out how good it is when we start testing. I was surprised at how many changes the design team has produced.’The German explained he had first seen the car last night. ‘But today the atmosphere was different,’ he adwithted. ‘Even though we had a very special season last year, today the mood was a bit sombre out of respect for Mr. Agnelli. I am very proud to have known him and worked so closely with him. I could always rely on his support and if we manage to win the world championship again this year, it will be a tribute to Gianni Agnelli.’So what are the chances of winning ‘We cannot be sure,’ was his opinion. ‘We start with a good old car and it will be important to score points at the start of the season. In fact, with the changes to the rules, regarding qualifying for example, it is reassuring to start with the F2002.’Inevitably, Schumacher was quizzed on his chances of beating the record he holds jointly with Juan Manuel Fangio of five world titles. ‘It is not my goal to beat it,’ he replied. ‘The important thing is to do a good job with the new car and get the most out of all the hard work of the whole team. I am proud of my achievement, but I do not compare myself to Fangio.As for the new rules, Schumacher was pleased with some, but not with others. ‘I think the one lap qualifying will be good and make the show better, producing a few surprises,’ he commented. ‘But I am not such a big fan of the changes coming into effect at Silverstone (the British GP.) ‘I like the challenge of driving the car with electronic aids, because you can get closer to perfection. I don’t think the rule changes will have much effect on the top drivers, but some of the younger, less experienced ones might find it more difficult. Also, not having traction control can be dangerous in the wet, especially as the rules now only allow one type of rain tyre.’Then came the traditional question: are you still as motivated as ever ‘No!’ joked Schumacher, before adwithting he never gets tired of racing and winning. ‘In my 12 seasons of F1, I have never had a season like last year, so I want more of that. But I don’t expect to match last year,’ he added, referring to Ferrari’s 15 wins from 17 races. ‘I have been surprised at the pace of McLaren in winter testing. If they are not closer to us then Rubens will be my main rival. He is a very fast driver and it is a challenge for me to try and keep the upper hand. If McLaren is strong, then we will also be fighting them. I will not be disappointed if I do not win so many races. The championship is the most important thing for me.

07.02.2003: Todt: `The years go by but the motivation always remains the same`

Maranello, 7 February 2003 – It was down to the Director of Sport Management, Jean Todt, to call the drivers to the stage to unveil the new single-seater: `This is a very important moment and I feel particularly emotional in revealing the name of the car because it has remained a mystery to everybody until now}.The F2003-GA was then uncovered by official Ferrari drivers in front of the lenses of the tens of assembled cameramen and was illuminated by a barrage of popping flashguns.`This really is a beautiful vehicle} – pronounced Todt – `Rory Byrne even stated that this is probably the most beautiful produced since the mid-nineties. But it is not only beautiful; this single-seater is the fruit of intense collaboration, the whole group shared the same vision in believing in the car, seeing as that both on paper as in the workshop, it has shown superior power compared to the F2002. It is also for this reason that we are anxious to see it on the track}.`This is the tenth time that I find myself here presenting a new single-seater} – commented Todt – `The years go by but we have the same motivation as a team that has not won for ages. We have managed to create an internally united group that is also open to outsiders; it is one with common objectives. What unites us is team spirit, great humility but also enormous respect for all our competitors.}Naturally, he could not go without commenting on the new, innovative rules that this Formula 1 season will bring. `This year there will be a number of new regulations, but we consider these to be interesting. We will work hard to adapt, but the final goal of the reduction of costs is important for us, even if we don}t see immediate results}.`The objectives are clear} – concluded Todt – `we don}t expect to be able to win 15 races this year, because that would be presumptuous, but we want to remain where we are: our competitors would not like to see Ferrari in the lead, but we will do all we can to maintain our pole position}.

07.02.2003: Rory Byrne: ‘The F2003-GA will be the best Ferrari F1 car ever done’

Maranello, 7th February – Although the fundamental design philosophy of the F2003-GA is the same in terms of optimising aerodynamic efficiency, lowering centre of gravity height, maximising the performance available from the Bridgestone tyres and the 052 Engine, many areas of the car had to be fundamentally reviewed in order to make a step forward in performance because these areas were close to the liwith of development on the F2002. In addition, the areas that have not changed fundamentally have been further refined and optimised to maximise functionality and performance, so almost every part on this car is newly designed.1. Aerodynamics The side pods, radiator layout and inboard rear suspension are fundamentally new. This has enabled us to make a step forward both in terms of aerodynamic performance and cooling efficiency and we have several development items including front wing, turning vanes, brake ducts and revised rear suspension components which we plan to introduce into the test programme in the next 3 to 4 weeks which will further enhance performance.2. Transmission Although the transmission is essentially a development of the F2002 transmission, it is considerably shorter, narrower and lighter. The gears have been redesigned to save weight and improve durability, the gear selection system has been further refined for a faster gearshift. We have also taken another step in terms of Engine, transmission, rear suspension integration.3. Suspension and Steering The power steering system has been fundamentally redesigned. A prototype version has been successfully tested on the F2002. Closer cooperation with Bridgestone has resulted in an improved understanding of the interaction between tyre and car and has enabled us to revise the suspension to maximise the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. Both front and rear suspension have been revised to maximise the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. The inboard end of the rear suspension has been completely revised and includes a new damper system. Almost all of the suspension components have been refined and many have been manufactured using new materials and manufacturing methods in order to reduce weight.4. Electronics The new Marelli Step10 electronic system has been incorporated which, with its superior processing speed and power, will give us improved control of the Engineand the gearbox as well as better data acquisition. The system has been developed and tested in a F2002 for the last 6 months.Last year I predicted that the F2002 would prove to be the best Ferrari F1 car ever and it proved to be the most successful. We have not yet run the F2003-GA but so far all our performance objectives have been reached or exceeded, so I am confident that the F2003-GA will be the best Ferrari F1 car ever. However, how successful it will be depends on how much progress our opposition have made and how much the new race weekend operating procedures affect each team.To produce this all new car with so many fundamentally different major components has required a tremendous effort from all at GES and I would like to thank everyone for their contribution in producing the F2003-GA.

Ross Brawn: ‘Proud of the car and of the team of people’

Maranello, 7th February – This is now my 7th Ferrari New Car Presentation. I can truthfully, and thankfully, say that each year the results have been an improvement on the previous year. However, to win more than 15 races again is a promise that is difficult to make ‘ we will do our best. What I can say is that the same effort, hard work, dedication and comwithment needed to win Championships is still being applied and this car is the result. It is a product of a stable and highly motivated group of people. Year on year, this car is probably the biggest step in performance to date. I mentioned stability, for this is one of our greatest strengths. But stability alone is not enough. Stability is merely the foundation on which to build a successful organisation. The enemy of stability can be complacency. However, I do believe that our difficult first few seasons together have been a reminder of how fragile success can be. We like to think of our situation as dynamic stability ‘ the same people, but a constant review and development of ideas and practices.

New Regulations

The business of Formula One has always faced new challenges. There is a considerable investment and expenditure required to be Competitive, however, it is in the interests of all the Teams that the base cost of entering Formula One is as low as possible. In the future we will have an Enginethat will last a complete race meeting, a standard brake system, a standard wing, a possible restriction on the usage of extreme materials. None of these changes will affect the natural order. The Teams who do a good job will succeed. However, these changes will reduce the base cost of Formula One, particularly for the smaller Teams. There have been few technical rule changes for the start of the 2003 season. The main change is the compulsory usage of a Hans neck and head support system. The system offers considerable safety benefits to the driver in the case of an impact. We are working hard to overcome some of the ergonomic difficulties and our drivers are adapting well to the system. There have also been some minor bodywork changes around the roll hoop to eliminate the necessity for the ‘ears’ that some cars have. The usage of two-way telemetry will be banned immediately and radio communications between the driver and the team will be made available to the FIA and the public. As a result, Teams can again use their 2002 car to compete in the 2003 Formula One World Championships. It is Ferrari’s intention to start the season with the 2002 car and to introduce the 2003 car after the first few races, perhaps at Imola. This will be, as always, dependent upon testing and results. We also have a new parc fermé procedure designed to ensure that the same car is used both for qualifying and the race. Between qualifying and the race we will only be able to conduct safety checks on the cars. We cannot change Engine, gearbox, chassis settings, tyres or related components. This will present many new and novel technical challenges. For instance, the car will need to be a compromise between Qualifying and Race set-up as no set-up changes can be made after Qualifying.During the 2003 season, at the British Grand Prix, there will be a series of changes to reduce the usage of Driver Aids. This means that traction control, launch control and automatic gearboxes will be banned. In order to police these strategies more effectively, the FIA are introducing a ‘Spy in the Cockpit’. This will be a monitoring device inside the car to provide data to detect the usage of these strategies. We believe it essential we avoid the suspicion and innuendo that existed prior to the legalisation of these strategies and we are working together with the FIA to ensure satisfactory policing in the future.

Partnerships

Again, we have been dependent upon our partners to achieve and share our success. In all areas we have sought to maximise the benefit of our partnerships and effectively create a team many times larger than just those employed by Ferrari. The partnership with Bridgestone has been particularly crucial to our success and we are finding many new and innovative ways to work more closely together. Progress with the tyre performance and car performance is now achieved in small steps. No longer are we able to find single substantial performance steps. Therefore it is essential that we developed a methodology and system capable of recognising these small steps of improvement that then accumulate into a substantial performance advantage. We have a totally open policy with all our Technical Partners. We share all data, information, problems and solutions. We seek to improve upon the simple supplier customer relationship and create a total that is greater than the sum of the two parts. Our Partnerships with Shell, SKF, BBS, Sachs, Brembo, Magneti Marelli and CRF are prime examples of Technical Partnerships that go beyond the norm and produce results that have been critical to the success of Ferrari.

Programme of testing

After the launch, the car will need a few more days finishing before it will run early next week. We hope to spend a few days in Fiorano before moving to Mugello, and then onto Imola and Spain at the end of the month. The crash test programme will start next week using the second chassis. By the Imola race we should have a minimum of four chassis and six gearboxes. In parallel with the new car activity, work is continuing with the 653. Since Christmas we have been testing with all four drivers, concentrating on tyre and strategy development along with several race simulations to mimic the new race weekend requirements for 2003 ‘ single lap qualifying and then completing a race distance. Work has gone well and we are optimistic that we can be competitive for the first few races. The new car contains many innovative and original solutions while embracing the same philosophies successfully applied during the past few years. I am extremely proud of the car, but more important to me, I am extremely proud of the team of people that represent Ferrari in the morn era.

Paolo Martinelli: ‘The 052, evolution of technological experience’

Maranello, 7th February 2003 – Paolo Martinelli, Chief EngineThe new V configuration 10 cylinder F1 Enginefor the 2003 championship is an evolution of technological experience, combined with the technical abilities of the Ferrari Enginespecialists. Its code name is 052. Its starting point is an evolution of our 051 Engine: but it is completely new, from top to bottom and all its parts will be developed right through to the penultimate Sunday in October to reach our targets in the 2003 Championship.The 052 Engineproject has two specific technical aims: 1. improving performance and useability, while maintaining the requisite reliability demonstrated by its predecessor, the 051. 2. very close integration with the car design, with the final development resulting in a reduction in weight (of the order of between 4 and 5%,) the lowering of the roll-centre and a new layout of the Engineancilliaries and the cooling and lubrication systems.The Engineproject was carried out and evolved alongside that of the car in a completely integrated fashion: the 052 can only be fitted to the new F2003-GA car. Architectural characteristics: the Engineblock is completely new and manufactured by microfusion, the heads are lowered, all in an evolution of the structures used in the final B version of the 051. The Enginefeatures innovative materials where applicable for various functions. One specific evolution is in the area of fuel and Engineoil, carried out with the invaluable support of Shell. In terms of performance, development will be continuous with evolutionary steps already planned into the programme. Maximum Enginerevs at the start of the season will be around 200 rpm higher than that on the 051.As usual, we will not disclose a horsepower figure, but rest assured, that once again this year, all the Ferrari Enginespecialists will work in methodical and determined fashion to provide ‘sufficient’ horsepower, delivered in a ‘useable’ and ‘reliable’ fashion to reach our goals in the F1 championship.

11.02.2003: Debut on track for the F2003-GA

Maranello, 11th FebruaryCircuit: Fiorano track, 2.976 km ‘ short course 1.413 km Driver: Michael Schumacher Car: F2003-GA Weather: air temperature 1/6/2 °C, track 0/8/4 °C. Sunny.First day of testing of 2003 for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro at the Fiorano circuit. Today, Michael Schumacher was at the wheel for the track debut of the F2003-GA.During the day, Schumacher completed a total of 78 laps, setting a best time of 57’045.‘Gianni Agnelli would have been happy with this car and this team,’ said Michael at the end of the day. ‘Today, we achieved a very good result with great reliability. I am very happy with this first day of testing.’Michael Schumacher continues testing at Fiorano tomorrow.

11.12.2003: Eurofighter versus the F2003-GA: Result 2-1

Grosseto, 11th December 2003 – It was 9.30 when the Piaggio P180, the Piaggio plane that bears the Prancing Horse symbol, touched down at Baccarini airport in Grosseto. On board was Michael Schumacher, ready to face a historical challenge in the form of a duel between his F2003-GA and a Eurofighter Typhoon.Under broody skies, Michael Schumacher climbed aboard the F2003-GA for the shootout with the jewel in the airforce crown. Three races were planned: the first, over a 600-metre distance that favoured the swift acceleration of the single-seater, saw the F2003-GA break the tape first, touching 294km/h, in 9″4 versus 9″6 of the jet. The second duel was over 1200 metres in which the Eurofighter showed the single-seater a clean pair of heels and sped away with the win in 14″2 versus 16″7. The F2003-GA reached 308 km/h. The third, decisive, challenge was fought out over 900 metres and was a tight affair. The Eurofighter just scraped home, two tenths ahead of the F2003-GA (13 seconds versus 13.2). On the wet surface that took away some of the grip from the tyres, Michael Schumacher reached 305km/h.‘The best race was the first’, joked Michael. ‘If it weren’t for the rain we would have had more grip, but, in any case, the result was not important in this race! It was fun watching the plane take off from where I was sitting. From a technical point of view, the start was like a normal Grand Prix; if you take into account the difference in power between an aeroplane and the single-seater, these results could only have been expected. But it was a great event and a unique challenge. I hope the fans had as much fun as we all did!’Pierro Ferrari awarded the winner his prize: ‘It was an exciting race and one I enjoyed very much as I love the aeronautical world’, reflected the Ferrari vice-president. He went on: ‘Apart from the result, the important aspect of the day is that we have demonstrated how Italy is able to produce winning technology in both fields. Today was the demonstration of the highest technology in two worlds, that of four wheels where Ferrari leads the pack, and the aeronautical sphere, in which Italy is at a very high level.’Filippo Berselli, Defence Under-Secretary, also thought the Grosseto show had been a great day out. ‘I would say that this is a day for Italian industry and for Italy. The new European fighter jet is an extraordinary machine, created with the intelligence and imagination of Italian industry, who, thanks also to Ferrari, have had a superb showcase in today.’After the demanding day, rest is in order for Schumacher: ‘For now I will relax and carry on with the training by karting’, concluded Michael to journalists who had enquired about his off-season plans. ‘I aim to be in shape for next year and in the meantime I will enjoy Christmas with my family.’As planned, the event went on with a re-run of the 1931 race, this first ever between a plane and a car. In place of Nuvolari at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 was Massimiliano Stancari and commanding the Tiger Moth (a substitute for the unavailable Caproni) was Stefano Rusconi. The duel was fought over four consecutive laps and saw the car leading for the first three laps only for the plane to sneak the win at the last with a one second advantage. The Alfa reached a top speed of 185km/h, lower in the curves, while the plane maintained a constant average speed of 140km/h.The first course over and gazing from the track to the sky, the massed ranks could only look on open-mouthed as the spectacular Eurofighter Racing drivered by Maurizio Cheli flexed its muscles.