Minardi M 197

1996 was a turning point: Fondmetal, led by Gabriele Rumi, acquired a stake in Minardi as one of its main partners, alongside Flavio Briatore and Alessandro Nannini. This provided Minardi with a more stable budget and more advanced technical facilities, thanks to the industrial and development support provided by Fondmetal. Inparticular, Fondmetal’s wind tunnel in Casumaro was used for the aerodynamic development of the M197, enabling precise updates throughout the season.

In 1997, Minardi began a new season with the M197, a car designed by Gabriele Tredozi , alongside Mauro Gennari as chief designer and Mariano Alperin in charge of aerodynamics. While building on the principles already used in the previous M195, the M197 introduced substantial innovations, particularly in terms of aerodynamics: Tredozi and his team collaborated with Fondmetal to refine the downforce, working on more rounded side panels, aerodynamic appendages on either side of the front wing, as well as flow deflectors connected to the suspension.

The engine is the Hart 830 AV7 V8, a 3-liter naturally aspirated engine producing approximately 680 cavalli at ~13,100 rpm. The chassis is a carbon-fiber monocoque, with double-wishbone suspension featuring push-rods (front and rear), and a 6-speed semi-automatic sequential transmission supplied by Xtrac/Minardi.