2002 Ferrari F2002 Monoposto

It had been 21 years since Ferrari had aided one of its drivers in winning the World Drivers' Championship until Michael Schumacher achieved the feat in 2000. By the end of 2001, it seemed utterly impossible it had taken that long as Ferrari and Michael Schumacher would dominate both championships. In 2002, the new F2002 would help Schumacher complete an incredible season where he would finish either first or second in every single grand prix, apart from one. All told, the F2002 would have to be considered one of Ferrari's most dominant Formula One cars ever and would rightly retain Ferrari's dominance building 'Car of the Year'.

Regulation changes between the 2001 and 2002 seasons would be minimal and would allow all of the teams to build upon what they had learned over the course of the previous season. Ferrari would not stand for that. They would take the new regulations, which highlighted improved safety, and would choose to build what, to the factory, would be an all-new car. To the casual observer; however, the car would appear to have minor changes and evolutions from the F2001 that had proven so successful the year before.

But, in the world of aerodynamics, the smallest changes translate into big losses or gains and this is where most of the divergence between the two models would take place. The periscope exhaust would remain as it helped aerodynamically, but also kept the incredible heat from the exhaust off of the rear suspension members. However, the F2002 would have a lower nose and a higher wing, both of which were to conform to FIA regulations. In addition, the sidepods of the F2002 would be longer. Another new element within the car would be an all-new fluid traction control system. Still, a major emphasis would be placed on building a lighter, yet stronger, monocoque chassis that had a lower center of gravity for improved stability and handling. And, of course, another major element of the F2002's design would be the concern over mass and keeping it as neutral as possible.

All areas of the car would undergo thorough wind-tunnel evaluation. At the same time, a new Tipo 051 engine would be developed. The new 3.0-liter V10 would provide impressive, and reliable, power over the course of the season.

To prove how 'all-new' the F2002 would actually be Ferrari would actually start off the 2002 season with an updated version of its F2001. It didn't really seem to matter all that much though as Schumacher would start off the season with a victory and a 3rd place.

The new F2002 would make its debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix that season. The very first chassis, 220, would start its existence qualifying 2nd on the grid. However, when the race was over, chassis 220 would take the victory. A victory in its debut; Ferrari would expect nothing less.

Following the victory in Brazil, 220 would be driven by Rubens Barrichello in six more races. Its highlights would include pole positions in the infamous Austrian Grand Prix, as well as, the Hungarian Grand Prix. And, were it not for the very controversial and jeer-inciting Austrian Grand Prix, chassis 220 would have come away with a total of four victories instead of just three. Those victories would include Brazil, the European Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Chassis 220 would play a very important role in what would be the most dominant and unstoppable show of force seen in Ferrari's history in Formula One. The World Championship for both driver and constructor would be both secured with six, or more, races still remaining in the season. Schumacher would come away with a record 11 wins out of 17 possible races and 220 would be a part of an effort that would see just two victories slip past to other constructors.

At the conclusion of the season, 220 would be sold into private ownership and would be seen on a track just twice since it left the factory at the end of the season. Considered to be one of the greatest Formula One cars of all time, the F2002 is beyond extraordinary. A real piece of Ferrari and Formula One history; a part of a record-setting, and dominant, season chassis 220 is a real collector's piece from the Ferrari-Michael Schumacher era that resulted in all of the record books being rewritten.

Offered at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach auction, the 2002 Ferrari F2002 would be a rare opportunity to not only own a race-winning Formula One car, but to own an one of the most preeminent in Formula One history. As a result of its achievements on the track and its place in history, chassis 220 would draw estimates heading into auction of $2,200,000 to $2,600,000.

Sources:
'Lot No. 34: 2002 Ferrari F2002', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/2002-ferrari-f2002/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/2002-ferrari-f2002/. Retrieved 15 August 2013.

'The Cars: F2002', (http://ferraridatabase.com/The_Cars/2002/F2002/1/f2002_220.pdf). F1 Clienti. http://ferraridatabase.com/The_Cars/2002/F2002/1/f2002_220.pdf. Retrieved 15 August 2013.

'2002 Ferrari F2002 News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/z19806/Ferrari-F2002.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/z19806/Ferrari-F2002.aspx. Retrieved 15 August 2013.

By Jeremy McMullen