Minardi M 198

Fondmetal, under the leadership of Gabriele Rumi, also plays a key role in the M198: the model is built and developed under the brand name Fondmetal Minardi Team, which provides not only funding and management infrastructure but also technical support—particularly in aerodynamics (thanks to the expertise of the Casumaro wind tunnel) and in the design of construction details that make the car more refined than the previous model.

The engine is the Ford Zetec-R V10 , a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter engine with a rated power output of approximately 710 cavalli at ~15,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed Minardi semi-automatic sequential transmission; the wheels are mounted on rims compatible with Bridgestonetires; the suspension features a double-wishbone layout with pushrods and coaxial springs/shocks, with torsion bars at both the front and rear.

From an aerodynamic standpoint, the M198 features a carbon-fiber monocoque body with a honeycomb sandwich structure, hollowed-out side skirts to reduce drag, streamlined engine air intakes and airboxes, and updated aerodynamic components (flow deflectors, and refined front and rear wing profiles), all of which have been refined through testing and simulations conducted in part at the Fondmetal technical center, with the goal of maximizing downforce without sacrificing too much straight-line speed.