Photo: Morio · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Ferrari F2002, dubbed the "Red Goddess" by the media, was the Scuderia's 35th Formula 1 car. It won fifteen out of 19 races during 2002 and 2003 and is considered one of the most successful Formula 1 designs. Michael Schumacher secured his fifth World Championship title with it in 2002, while Ferrari took the Constructors' Championship with as many points as all other teams combined. The car was much lighter than the F2001, and its V10 featured a very low center of gravity; it initially delivered 835 hp at 17,800/min, and up to 900 hp in qualifying.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- In races, the engine produced only 865 hp at a maximum of 18,600/min to preserve reliability, reaching up to 900 hp at 19,000/min in qualifying.
- The BMW engine in the Williams delivered more at 940 hp, but the Ferrari engine was lighter, more compact, more fuel-efficient, and had better drivability.
- Using the Pomeroy Index, Motor Sport magazine determined that the F2002 was the fastest F1 car of all time.
- For the debut in Brazil, only one chassis was race-ready, which meant Barrichello had to wait another race for the new car.
Learn moreEngine and transmission · Rivals and tires · Record car? · Start of the 2002 season
Engine and transmission
The Tipo 051 was not the most powerful engine of 2002, but it was lighter and more compact than the competition, as well as very fuel-efficient. Its center of gravity was extremely low, benefiting handling. The clutch-pedalless transmission was innovative and very compact, allowing the rear to be packaged extremely tightly from an aerodynamic standpoint. Bridgestone developed tires tailored specifically to the car.
Rivals and tires
Aerodynamically, the F2002 was clearly ahead of the Williams-BMW and on par with or slightly ahead of McLaren. Following the reliability issues of the previous year, Williams played it safe, McLaren stuck with Michelin tires, and Mercedes struggled with an engine without beryllium. This allowed Ferrari to play to its strengths to the full.
Record car?
Motor Sport rated the F2002 using the Pomeroy Index as the fastest Formula 1 car of all time, yet the F2004 set faster qualifying times on 12 shared circuits. In terms of qualifying dominance, the F2002 did not quite match the figures of the McLaren MP4/4 from 1988 and the Williams FW14B from 1992, which each took 15 pole positions, but it was more reliable and relatively faster on Sundays.
Start of the 2002 season
The season began with the F2001, with the F2002 debuting in Brazil. Schumacher had won in Australia in the previous year's car and finished third in Malaysia, while Barrichello had retired in each of the first three races. The opening races in the new car proved it was a success. Test drivers were Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari F2002
When was the Ferrari F2002 raced?
The Ferrari F2002 was raced from 2002 to 2003.
How much power does the Ferrari F2002 have?
Power of the Ferrari F2002: 835 hp at 17'800 /min.
What engine does the Ferrari F2002 have?
Engine of the Ferrari F2002: 3.0 l 90° V10 naturally aspirated Ferrari Tipo 051/B/C. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
Who engineered the Ferrari F2002?
Engineering of the Ferrari F2002: 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 F2002?
Drivers of the Ferrari F2002: Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello.
How many races did the Ferrari F2002 win?
The Ferrari F2002 took 15 wins in 19 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari F2002?
Predecessor: F2001B. Successor: F2003-GA.
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