Ferrari design chief, South African Rory Byrne says that the F-2003 GA, which was launched in Maranello on Friday, is the best and most beautiful F1 car he has ever produced.
Ferrari design chief, South African Rory Byrne says that the F-2003 GA, which was launched in Maranello on Friday, is the best and most beautiful F1 car he has ever produced.
The F2003 GA is more compact than its predecessor, and features a much slimmer rear-end, along with new oval sidepods that tapper in to form a triangle that houses a minimalist drivetrain and compact rear suspension.
The new car has been designated the GA in honour of late Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli who died last month and Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has said that the new Ferrari F-2003 GA represented the biggest step forward in performance that the team has ever made.
Brawn also admitted that it was the team’s aim to beat its 2003 tally of 15 wins, although he conceded that it would be very hard to achieve.
“To win more than 15 races is going to be very difficult but we will do our best,” he said, “but our dedication and commitment to win the championship is still there.
“I can’t wait to see it on the track,” said Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt. “It has a very big responsibility but we will be starting the season with the F-2002 and then decide the right moment to put this car on track (sources say the F-2003 GA will debut at Imola on April 20).
Despite a 2002 season in which Ferrari enjoyed total domination, Todt believed that F2003 GA has the potential to be even better than its predecessor. “We have the same motivation as if we had never won before and have a real desire for more wins,” said Todt. “Our competitors don’t want to see Ferrari ahead of them but we will do everything we can to be ahead of them.”
Bedfordview-born Byrne was particularly proud of his creation: “Last year I said the F-2002 was the most beautiful F1 car ever made and it proved so and was also the most successful. But now we have the F-2003 GA and all our performance objectives have been met or exceeded. I am confident that F-2003 GA is the best Ferrari ever.”
Meanwhile, five-time world champion Michael Schumacher declared his “love” for the new car: “I think we have made a wonderful car and I hope that it will be fast,” said Schumacher. “We’ve been doing our best for years now so it’s no surprise to say that I want to win the championship. I’m in love with the car, the team and the fans.”
Team-mate Rubens Barrichello added: “I can’t stop looking at it… It is so beautiful and gorgeous and we know that gorgeous cars are winners. I’m convinced that this car will bring the title to Maranello again.”
The new car will make its on-track debut in testing at Fiorano next week.