theprancinghorse.co.uk - Rory Bryne F2003 GA Interview

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Rory Bryne

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 limit 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 engine and 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.

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