Ferrari F2003-GA - 2003 Spanish Grand Prix

• Limited to just 50 pieces
• Based on the car raced to victory by Michael Schumacher at the XLV Gran Premio Marlboro de España at Circuit de Catalunya on the 4th of May 2003
• Each model hand-built and assembled by a small team of craftsmen
• 1:8 scale model, over 56 cms/22 inches long
• Made using the finest quality materials
• Over 2500 hours to develop the model
• Over 250 hours to build each model
• Thousands of precisely engineered parts: castings, photo-etchings and CNC machined metal components
• Built using original CAD designs and paint codes supplied by Scuderia Ferrari

The car that delivered Michael Schumacher’s record-breaking sixth Drivers’ Championship and extended Scuderia Ferrari’s consecutive Constructors’ Championship streak, the F2003-GA was Ferrari’s entry into the 2003 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. One of the single-seater cars designed during Scuderia Ferrari’s golden era, and the 49th ever constructed in Maranello, the F2003-GA sought to build on the domination of its predecessor, the F2002. The F2003-GA, in the capable hands of Schumacher and teammate Rubens Barrichello, proved to be a formidable contender in what turned out to be a fiercely contested and entertaining season of motorsport.

Under the vision of Technical Director Ross Brawn and Chief Designer Rory Byrne, the design philosophy mirrored that of the successful F2002, focusing on the optimisation of air flow, weight reduction and a lower centre of gravity. The rear end was revised, and the suspension modified to get the best out of the Bridgestone tyres, complemented by newly introduced bulbous sidepods. A lengthened wheelbase enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, while the engine - one of the last V10s in F1 history - pushed out an impressive 930 bhp, revving up to an astounding 19,000 rpm. Prior to the start of the season, the -GA suffix was added to the car’s moniker in tribute to Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli, who passed away early in the year.

The 2003 car’s predecessor, the F2002, was still considered competitive enough to start the season while the new car was further developed, meaning the F2003-GA didn’t make its debut until race number five in Spain. True to expectation, the car quickly showcased its speed, Schumacher earning wins in Spain, Austria and Canada, as well as a podium in Monaco, whilst Barrichello secured two podium finishes. However, the F2003-GA exhibited a tendency to overheat its tyres, leading to issues during the unusually hot European summer mid-season. Whilst Barrichello was still victorious in Britain and earned a podium at the European Grand Prix, Schumacher picking up another podium in France, this dip in form allowed Williams-BMW and McLaren-Mercedes to mount a sustained challenge to Ferrari for both championships. A crucial change in the tyre regulations, prompted after Ferrari tyre suppliers Bridgestone accused Michelin of using flexible sidewalls, forced the latter, who supplied both Williams and McLaren, to change their tyre construction, handing the initiative to Bridgestone and Ferrari at a crucial time. With just three races remaining in the season, Ferrari had just lost their Championship lead and Schumacher’s had been cut to a mere single-point advantage. However, victories for the German at Monza and in the United States put him on the cusp of history, as Ferrari also regained the lead over Williams by just three points heading into the final race in Japan. Despite Schumacher only finishing eighth at Suzuka, Barrichello’s victory ahead of McLaren’s Kimi Räikkönen sealed a fifth successive Constructors' Championship, whilst Schumacher secured his sixth Drivers' title, surpassing the 46-year old record of Juan Manuel Fangio, by just two points.

Overall, the Ferrari F2003-GA car earned seven races, six further podiums, five pole positions, and five fastest laps, scoring 126 points from the 12 races it competed in during the 2003 season. It was integral to Michael Schumacher and Ferrari’s victories in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Chassis 229. In which Schumacher won five Grand Prix, was sold at auction in 2022 for a world record price of CHF14,630,000 (US$14,873,327).

This fine 1:8 scale model of the Ferrari F2003-GA perfectly replicates the car Michael Schumacher drove to victory at the XLV Gran Premio Marlboro de España at Circuit de Catalunya on the 4th of May 2003. This race marked the competitive debut of the F2003-GA chassis, which celebrated the occasion by sealing a front-row lockout in qualifying, with Schumacher outpacing his teammate Barrichello by 0.258 seconds, ahead of the Renault pair of Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli. Alonso made the quickest getaway off the line but was unable to pass the Ferrari duo, who battled into the first corner. Barrichello lost momentum, allowing Schumacher to surge ahead as the Brazilian was forced to fend off Alonso through turn three. Meanwhile, Trulli had started poorly and, in an attempt to recover, collided with David Coulthard’s McLaren, causing chaos and triggering a safety car period. Whilst several teams would opt to switch to a three-stop strategy, the lead three - Schumacher, Barrichello, and Alonso – remained on the same strategy, storming clear with their lighter fuel loads when the race resumed. The fight for the lead quickly became a battle of strategies, with Barrichello intentionally holding up Alonso to help Schumacher establish a five second lead. In response, the Renault made an earlier pit stop, using the clear air to jump ahead of Barrichello and halve Schumacher’s lead after their own stops. From here, the race stabilised, Schumacher showcasing superior pace compared to Alonso, who managed to keep Barrichello at bay as the trio cruised towards the finish line. Schumacher’s win secured his second successive victory, and the F2003-GA triumphed on its first appearance in Formula 1.

This model has been hand-crafted utilising the original CAD data supplied directly by Scuderia Ferrari and has undergone strict scrutiny by both the design and engineering teams to ensure complete accuracy of representation.

The Ferrari F2003-GA is limited to just 99 pieces at 1:8 scale.