Minardi PS03
{{Short description|Formula One racing car}}
{{Racing car
| Car_name = Minardi PS03
| Image = Justin Wilson 2003 Silverstone.jpg
| Caption = Justin Wilson driving the PS03 at the 2003 British Grand Prix
| Category = Formula One
| Constructor = Minardi
| Designer = Gabriele Tredozi {{smaller|(Technical Director)}}
George Ryton {{smaller|(Chief Designer)}}
Loïc Bigois {{smaller|(Chief Aerodynamicist)}}
| Predecessor = PS02
| Successor = PS04B
| Team = European Minardi Cosworth
Trust Minardi Cosworth
| Drivers = 18. {{flagicon|UK}} Justin Wilson
18. {{Flagicon|Denmark}} Nicolas Kiesa
19. {{flagicon|Netherlands}} Jos Verstappen
| Chassis = Carbon-fibre and aluminium honeycomb composite monocoque
| Brakes = Brembo 6-piston calipers, carbon discs and pads
| Front suspension = Upper/lower composite-reinforced wishbones, pushrod-activated torsion springs, mechanical anti-roll bars
| Rear suspension = Upper/lower composite-reinforced wishbones, pushrod-activated torsion rockers, mechanical anti-roll bars
| Weight = {{convert|600|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| Engine name = Cosworth CR-3
| Capacity = {{convert|2998|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}
| Configuration = V10 (72°)
| Turbo/NA = naturally aspirated
| Engine position = mid-mounted
| Power = 805 hp @ 17,500 rpm{{Cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/moteur-ford-cosworth.aspx |title = Engine Ford Cosworth • STATS F1}}
| Gearbox name = Minardi
| Gears = 6-speed
| Type = longitudinal semi-automatic sequential
| Differential =
| Battery = Midac
| Length = {{convert|4548|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
| Width = {{convert|1800|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
| Height = {{convert|950|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
| Wheelbase = {{convert|3097|mm|in|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}
| Track = Front: {{convert|1480|mm|in|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}
Rear: {{convert|1410|mm|in|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}
| Fuel = Elf
| Tyres = Bridgestone Potenza
| Debut = 2003 Australian Grand Prix
| Last_event = 2003 Japanese Grand Prix
| Races = 16
| Wins = 0
| Cons_champ = 0
| Drivers_champ = 0
| Poles = 0
| Fastest_laps = 0
}}
The Minardi PS03 was the car with which the Minardi team competed in the 2003 Formula One World Championship.
Overview
Minardi announced that for the 2003 season, veteran Dutch driver Jos Verstappen and rookie Justin Wilson would race for the team, replacing Alex Yoong who went to ChampCar and Mark Webber who joined Jaguar Racing.{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/44384/1/verstappen-signs-for-minardi|title=Verstappen signs for Minardi.|date=10 January 2003 |publisher=crash.net|access-date=25 March 2022}} Wilson joined the team after a crowdfunding effort by his father, and former F1 driver Jonathan Palmer after Justin had missed out on a drive with Jordan Grand Prix in 2002 due to his height. Minardi agreed to make a car that would fit his frame.{{cite web|url=https://wtf1.com/post/on-this-day-in-f1-wilson-joins-minardi-as-a-result-of-an-early-form-of-crowdfunding/|title=ON THIS DAY IN F1 – CROWDFUNDING GOT JUSTIN WILSON A SEAT AT MINARDI|date=16 December 2019 |publisher=WTF1|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.auto123.com/en/racing-news/minardi-working-to-fit-wilson-in?artid=5544|title=Minardi working to fit Wilson in|publisher=Auto123|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/grapevine-wilson-height-not-a-problem-to-be-quick-5054154/5054154/|title=Grapevine: Wilson: Height Not a Problem to be Quick|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/wilson-my-minardi-is-tailor-made-5033444/5033444/|title=Wilson: My Minardi is tailor made|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}} It was reported at the time both Verstappen and Wilson paid £2million for their drives.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/2003/0109/169755-minardi/|title=Verstappen joins Minardi|date=9 January 2003 |publisher=RTE|access-date=25 March 2022}} Anthony Davidson, who stepped in to drive the PS02 had been linked with a drive, but declined at the cost.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/davidson-wilsons-minardi-drive-a-waste-of-money-5061691/5061691/|title=Davidson: Wilson's Minardi Drive a Waste of Money|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}} Verstappen returned to the F1 grid after sitting out the 2002 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/2003/0109/169755-minardi/|title=Verstappen joins Minardi|date=9 January 2003 |publisher=RTE|access-date=25 March 2022}} Matteo Bobbi was retained for a third season as test and development driver for the PS03.{{cite web|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/bobbi-to-continue-as-minardi-tester/1019335/|title=Bobbi to continue as Minardi tester
|publisher=Motorsport|access-date=25 March 2022}}
Previous engine supplier Asiatech had gone out of business, and discussions with Ferrari to provide engines were ongoing through late 2002. Ultimately, the team went with Cosworth engines as the £15million lease fee for Ferrari engines was too great.{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/44126/1/minardi-returns-to-cosworth-power-for-2003|title=Minardi returns to Cosworth power for 2003|date=2 December 2002 |publisher=crash.net|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ferrari-offers-engines-to-minardi-5037730/5037730/|title=Ferrari offers engines to Minardi|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}} The teams supply issues were apparent again, after Michelin stepped away in November 2002 as tyre supplier, with Jos Verstappen arriving to test in Valencia and Minardi had no tyres for the PS03. Therefore, Verstappen tested the 2001 PS01 on Avon F3000 tyres.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-debuts-with-minardi-on-avon-tyres-5061883/5061883/|title=Verstappen Debuts with Minardi on Avon Tyres|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/44552/1/verstappen-tests-for-minardi-tyre-woes-continue|title=Verstappen tests for Minardi, tyre woes continue|date=30 January 2003 |publisher=crash.net|access-date=25 March 2022}} It would not be until late February 2003 an agreement with Bridgestone was reached.{{cite web|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/bridgestone-statement-on-minardi/1019342/|title=Bridgestone statement on Minardi|publisher=Motorsport|access-date=25 March 2022}} Late in February, Minardi held a test session at Imola Circuit where the second Cosworth powered PS03 chassis was tested for the first time, with Bridgestone tyres. Just 24 hours before the car would be packed for transit to Australia for the first round.{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/44792/1/final-pre-season-test-for-minardi|title=Final pre-season test for Minardi|date=26 February 2003 |publisher=crash.net|access-date=25 March 2022}} As power-assisted rack and pinion steering system became mandatory in the sport from 2003 season onwards, Minardi PS03 was the last-ever Formula One car to adopt the power-assisted rack and pinion steering system due to previous Minardi car utilized the manual rack and pinion steering.
The PS03 was launched formally in Melbourne, Australia ahead of the first race.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/general/news/2003-minardi-launch-4969902/4969902/|title=2003 Minardi Launch|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/minardi-launch-the-ps03/1022530/|title=Minardi launch the PS03|publisher=Motorsport|access-date=25 March 2022}}
File:Jos Verstappen 2003 Silverstone.jpg
The 2003 season was largely challenging for Minardi. The PS03 secured no points all season and retired from 11 races, including Justin Wilson retiring from the first four races.{{cite web|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/wilson-aiming-to-finish-in-spain/1034399/|title=Wilson aiming to finish in Spain|publisher=Motorsport|access-date=25 March 2022}} He suffered from exhaustion and temporary paralysis in the neck during the 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix due to his HANS device coming loose and restricting arm movement inside the PS03 cockpit.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/wilson-taken-to-medical-centre-after-race-5062406/5062406/|title=Wilson Taken to Medical Centre after Race|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.auto123.com/en/racing-news/justin-wilson-released-from-hospital?artid=8951|title=Justin Wilson released from hospital|publisher=auto123|access-date=25 March 2022}} Verstappen had a chance of scoring points at the rain soaked 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, where a host of drivers including world champion Michael Schumacher retired, but retired on lap 31 due to a spin.{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/45295/1/minardi-we-could-have-won|title=Minardi: We could have won....|date=6 April 2003 |publisher=crash.net|access-date=25 March 2022}}
In June 2003, owner Stoddart had purchased five Arrows A23 race cars following the teams administration. There was speculation that the cars were of higher quality than the PS03 and they may run in the Minardi colours for 2004.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/formula-one/article/minardi-picking-over-the-bones-of-arrows-2hn6kg77kz3|title=Minardi picking over the bones of Arrows|work=The Times|access-date=25 March 2022|last1=O'Connor |first1=By Ashling }}{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/46151/1/minardi-buys-arrows|title=Minardi buys Arrows|date=18 June 2003 |publisher=crash.net|access-date=25 March 2022}} In August of that year, Jos Verstappen tested the A23 at Mugello Circuit to assess its suitability.{{cite web|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/minardi-to-test-arrows-chassis/1068622/|title=Minardi to test Arrows chassis|publisher=Motorsport|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/46872/1/minardi-to-run-arrows-a23-at-mugello|title=Minardi to run Arrows A23 at Mugello|date=27 August 2003 |publisher=crash.net|access-date=25 March 2022}}
In July, Wilson was signed by Jaguar Racing and replaced outgoing driver Antonio Pizzonia.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/wilson-s-move-from-minardi-to-jaguar-justifies-palmer-s-faith-97176.html|title=Wilson's move from Minardi to Jaguar justifies Palmer's faith|work=The Independent|date=21 July 2003 |access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/jul/21/formulaone1|title=Wilson moves to Jaguar|work=The Guardian|date=20 July 2003 |access-date=25 March 2022}} Minardi quickly signed Nicolas Kiesa, who did not score any points but finished all five Grand Prix he competed in driving the PS03.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/kiesa-lands-vacant-minardi-seat-5024921/5024921/|title=Kiesa lands vacant Minardi seat|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}}
Minardi would ultimately finish in last place in the Constructors' Championship with no points.
Financial difficulties and sponsorship
Minardi started the year with a primarily black car, featuring heavy sponsorship from owner Paul Stoddart's European Aviation brand. Alongside this were new deals with Gazprom and Superfund. Gazprom defaulted on their payments and were removed from the car before the 2003 Austrian Grand Prix.{{cite web|url=https://www.auto123.com/en/racing-news/possible-split-between-minardi-and-gazprom?artid=12388|title=Possible split between Minardi and Gazprom|publisher=auto123|access-date=25 March 2022}} At this time, Dutch business Trust upped their sponsorship and the car gained a black & white split livery.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/minardi-backed-by-trust-5027692/5027692/|title=Minardi backed by Trust|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}}
The Malaysian flag was displayed on the side of the cars Malaysian Grand Prix with the message "Malaysia for Peace".{{Cite web|title=Minardi to Race with Peace Message|url=https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9879/.html|access-date=7 November 2024|website=AtlasF1.com}}
Through the season, the team gained sponsorship from tools brand Stayer. However, after the brand failed to provide funds to the team, the Japanese Grand Prix saw the Stayer logo covered with red text saying "Not paid". The cars ran the race with that modification.
At the beginning of the season, there were on-going discussions between team bosses and the FIA about the distribution of revenue. Ron Dennis and Frank Williams were particularly against supporting Minardi, and this was heavily criticised by then FIA president Max Mosley.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2784407.stm|title=Dennis takes aim at Minardi|date=20 February 2003 |publisher=BBC|access-date=25 March 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-02-26/mosley-sides-with-minardi-in-cash-row/1221510|title=Mosley sides with Minardi in cash row|newspaper=ABC News |date=26 February 2003 |publisher=ABC News Australia|access-date=25 March 2022}}
Part way through the season, Bernie Ecclestone bought a minority shareholding in the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ecclestone-buys-minardi-stake-font-faceverdana-size1iupdated-i-font-5063314/5063314/|title=Ecclestone Buys Minardi Stake|publisher=Autosport|access-date=25 March 2022}} By October, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Minardi had been sold for 2004, this was later refuted by owner Stoddart.{{cite web|url=https://www.f1technical.net/news/147|title=FStoddart denies Minardi sale|publisher=F1 Technical|access-date=25 March 2022}}
Complete Formula One results
(key)
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
! Year ! Entrant ! Engine ! Tyres ! Drivers ! 1 ! 2 ! 3 ! 4 ! 5 ! 6 ! 7 ! 8 ! 9 ! 10 ! 11 ! 12 ! 13 ! 14 ! 15 ! 16 ! Points ! WCC |
| rowspan="4"| {{F1|2003}}
| rowspan="4"| European Minardi Cosworth | rowspan="4"| {{Bridgestone}} || || AUS || MAL || BRA || SMR || ESP || AUT || MON || CAN || EUR || FRA || GBR || GER || HUN || ITA || USA || JPN ! rowspan="4"|0 ! rowspan="4"|10th |
|---|
| {{flagicon|GBR}} Justin Wilson
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 11 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 13 |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 13 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 14 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 16 | | | | | |
| {{flagicon|DNK}} Nicolas Kiesa
| | | | | | | | | | | |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 12 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 13 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 12 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 11 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 16 |
| {{flagicon|NLD}} Jos Verstappen
|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 11 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 13 |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 12 |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 9 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 14 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 16 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 15 |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 12 |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| Ret |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 10 |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 15 |
References
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite book| editor-last =Henry| editor-first =Alan| editor-link =Alan Henry| title =AUTOCOURSE 2003-2004| publisher =Hazleton Publishing Ltd.| year =2003| pages =80–81| isbn =1-903135-20-6}}
{{refend}}
{{reflist}}
{{Minardi}}
{{F1 cars 2003}}