GR02

In 1992, Fondmetal decided to raise the bar even higher: dissatisfied with the GR01’s performance, Gabriele Rumi entrusted the new project to the firm Astauto led by Sergio Rinland, assisted by aerodynamicist Hans Fouche. The GR02, a single-seater that made its debut in the second half of the championship, with the goal of bridging the technical gap between the smaller teams and their stronger rivals.

Right from the start, the car showcases some interesting design features: the GR02 features a raised, slender nose, with a front wing characterized by a curved design that directs airflow toward the underbody and the diffuser, improving downforce. The chassis is made of carbon fiber and features push-rod suspension with twin shock absorbers at the front and rear.

The most significant change concerns the engine: instead of the previous Ford Cosworth DFR, the GR02 is equipped with the Ford Cosworth HB (HBA5 version), a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V8 that delivers a substantial increase in power—estimated at around 100 cavalli—compared to the engine used the previous year.