Ferrari F1-2000
It is the single-seater that brings the Drivers’ World Championship back to Maranello after 21 years. This alone would be enough to make it special. In reality, the F1-2000 is also considered one of the most innovative Formula 1 cars of its time.
Designed by Rory Byrne, apart from the gearbox it has little in common with the car that preceded it, of which it is in some ways the natural evolution. The nose has a higher profile and the centre of gravity is further lowered thanks to the use of a new V engine with a 90° angle between the two banks which also allows for better use of the tyres, supplied by Bridgestone at the time. Thanks to the use of new composite materials and light alloys in the construction of some components, the overall weight of the F2000 is lower than the previous year, with a clear advantage in terms of weight distribution.
Drivers:
Michael Schumacher: In 2000 the German driver wins the world title. It is his third title, his first with Ferrari, and it has a special flavour for him as well as for the team. Michael’s season is amazing. He wins a total of nine Grand Prix, sets nine pole positions and two fastest laps in the race. Three consecutive victories in the first three events of the season – Australia, Brazil and San Marino – allow him to take off in the standings. A series of retirements in the middle of the season see his opponents make up part of the deficit. Then Michael returns to victory and closes the season with four consecutive victories in Montreal, Monza, Indianapolis, Suzuka and Sepang.
Rubens Barrichello: The 2000 season is the first with Ferrari for the Brazilian driver. Rubens does not disappoint his fans and his new team. He proves to be a loyal and reliable teammate and confirms himself as a top driver. He climbs onto the podium eight times and wins the German Grand Prix, taking away precious points from Schumacher’s rivals in the world standings. At the end of the season he is fourth in the standings, the best result of his career up to that point.
Our model cars:
The engine is the new V10 type 049. Designed by Paolo Martinelli, it weighs only 102 kilos, that is to say ten less than the unit of the previous year. The horsepower is 810 HP, slightly less than the Mercedes engine with which it competes on the tracks, but with a higher rotation speed. For the first time in the history of Ferrari, the oil tank is positioned in front of the engine.
The F1-2000 is introduced in Maranello in February 2000. Michael Schumacher, who has contributed to its development, is confident and declares that with this car winning the world title is not a utopia. He is correct. The debut on the track takes place in the Australian Grand Prix that opens the 2000 campaign. Out of a total of 17 races, the F1-2000 will win ten. There will also be ten pole positions; five fastest laps in the race. Single-seater world champion Drivers’ and Constructors’.
