Minardi M01

The Minardi M01 made its debut in the 1999 season as a completely new design, conceived by Gabriele Rumi thanks to Fondmetal, which continues to serve as the team’s technical and industrial partner. With Gustav Brunner overseeing the design, the car shares no components with the M198: the hub carriers and steering box are made of cast titanium, and the gearbox housing is the first to be made of cast magnesium alloy—a sign that Fondmetal is investing in high-quality materials to lighten and improve structural components.

The engine is the Ford Zetec-R, a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter, 72° V10 capable of delivering approximately 735 cavalli at 16,000 giri/minuto, paired with a longitudinal six-speed semi-automatic transmission. The tires are Bridgestone, and the transmission also benefits from weight reduction thanks to its new magnesium casing. Fondmetal contributes to the powertrain design, particularly in terms of the mechanical integration of the components and the careful selection of materials.

The aerodynamics and bodywork reflect the same philosophy: the outer shell is a carbon-fiber monocoque with a honeycomb sandwich structure; the side skirts and the hood have been redesigned to optimize airflow in front of the rear wheels, improving downforce on the rear axle. Fondmetal and the team consider the rear axle itself to be one of the most successful components in the car’s overall aerodynamic package.