Martinelli - the Ferrari 052 engine

Paolo Martinelli, Ferrari's Chief Engine Designer explains the new 052 engine: The new V configuration 10 cylinder F1 engine for the 2003 championship is an evolution of technological experience, combined with the technical abilities of the ...

Paolo Martinelli, Ferrari's Chief Engine Designer explains the new 052 engine:

The new V configuration 10 cylinder F1 engine for the 2003 championship is an evolution of technological experience, combined with the technical abilities of the Ferrari engine specialists. Its code name is 052. Its starting point is an evolution of our 051 engine: but it is completely new, from top to bottom and all its parts will be developed right through to the penultimate Sunday in October to reach our targets in the 2003 Championship.

The new Ferrari F2003-GA engine.

Photo by Ferrari Media Center.

The 052 engine project has two specific technical aims: 1. improving performance and useability, while maintaining the requisite reliability demonstrated by its predecessor, the 051. 2. very close integration with the car design, with the final development resulting in a reduction in weight (of the order of between 4 and 5%,) the lowering of the roll-centre and a new layout of the engine ancilliaries and the cooling and lubrication systems.

The engine project was carried out and evolved alongside that of the car in a completely integrated fashion: the 052 can only be fitted to the new F2003-GA car."

Architectural characteristics: the engine block is completely new and manufactured by microfusion, the heads are lowered, all in an evolution of the structures used in the final B version of the 051. The engine features innovative materials where applicable for various functions. One specific evolution is in the area of fuel and engine oil, carried out with the invaluable support of Shell. In terms of performance, development will be continuous with evolutionary steps already planned into the programme. Maximum engine revs at the start of the season will be around 200 rpm higher than that on the 051.

As usual, we will not disclose a horsepower figure, but rest assured, that once again this year, all the Ferrari engine specialists will work in methodical and determined fashion to provide "sufficient" horsepower, delivered in a "useable" and "reliable" fashion to reach our goals in the F1 championship.