Photo: Martin Lee · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Ferrari F2003-GA was the Scuderia's 36th Formula 1 car and competed in 2003. It was based on the F2002, but featured new, bulbous sidepods and a longer wheelbase for improved aerodynamics, while the engine and transmission remained evolutions. The letters "GA" commemorate Gianni Agnelli, the head of Fiat who had passed away shortly before. The car was introduced only shortly before mid-season because the F2002 was deemed good enough for the time being; it then won three of its first four races, but was too hard on its tires. Williams and McLaren drew dangerously close to Michael Schumacher as a result, but in the end Ferrari took both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- On December 11, 2003, Schumacher took on a Eurofighter Typhoon in the F2003-GA: he won the 600-meter sprint, while the aircraft won the two longer runs.
- Chassis number 229, in which Schumacher won five Grands Prix, was auctioned in Geneva in November 2022 for CHF 14,630,000, a world-record price.
- With his sixth title, Schumacher broke Fangio's record, which had stood for 46 years.
- In countries with tobacco advertising bans, the Marlboro spaces on the engine cover and rear wing remained white.
Learn moreTire troubles in summer · Title showdown · Name and sponsors · Legacy
Tire troubles in summer
The F2003-GA was introduced only shortly before mid-season because the F2002 seemed competitive enough while development of its successor continued. The new car was fast and competitive, but overworked its tires, causing problems late in races during the unusually hot European summer. This allowed Williams and McLaren to put Ferrari and Schumacher under pressure.
Title showdown
Bridgestone engineers discovered that Michelin was using tires with a modified construction; the French manufacturer was subsequently forced to supply redesigned tires late in the season. Ferrari regained its competitive edge, won the final three races, and kept Williams and McLaren at bay in the Constructors' Championship. The car secured seven victories, five pole positions, and five fastest laps before the subtly evolved F2004 took over.
Name and sponsors
The suffix "GA" honors Giovanni Agnelli, who died on January 24, 2003, after leading Fiat for decades. As usual, the car was finished in Rosso Corsa. The title sponsor was Philip Morris with the Marlboro brand; Vodafone was displayed on the nose, front wing, and sidepods, with AMD on the rear wing endplates. Smaller decals came from Shell, Bridgestone, Magneti Marelli, Brembo, Mahle, SKF, and Fiat.
Legacy
After the season, Schumacher went head-to-head with an Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon in the car. He won the first run over 600 meters thanks to his weight advantage, while the two longer runs over 900 and 1200 meters went to the aircraft. Chassis 229 was sold complete and in running order at RM Sotheby's in Geneva in 2022.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari F2003-GA
When was the Ferrari F2003-GA raced?
The Ferrari F2003-GA was raced in 2003.
How much power does the Ferrari F2003-GA have?
Power of the Ferrari F2003-GA: 845 hp at 18'300 /min (race trim).
What engine does the Ferrari F2003-GA have?
Engine of the Ferrari F2003-GA: 3.0 l V10 (90°) naturally aspirated Ferrari Tipo 052. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
Who engineered the Ferrari F2003-GA?
Engineering of the Ferrari F2003-GA: Ross Brawn (Technical Director); Rory Byrne (Chief Designer); Ignazio Lunetta (Head of R&D); Aldo Costa (Head of Chassis); Marco Fainello ….
Who drove the Ferrari F2003-GA?
Drivers of the Ferrari F2003-GA: Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello.
How many races did the Ferrari F2003-GA win?
The Ferrari F2003-GA took 7 wins in 12 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari F2003-GA?
Predecessor: F2002B. Successor: F2004.
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