Jaguar R4

Jaguar R4
Antônio Pizzonia driving the R4 at the 2003 British Grand Prix; his last race for Jaguar. Note the Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines promotion on the engine cover.
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorJaguar
Designer(s)David Pitchforth (Technical Director)
Rob Taylor (Chief Designer)
Ben Agathangelou (Head of Aerodynamics)
PredecessorJaguar R3
SuccessorJaguar R5
Technical specifications
ChassisCarbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension (front)double wishbones, pushrods, torsion bars
Suspension (rear)double wishbones, pushrods, torsion bars
EngineCosworth CR-5 3.0-litre V10 naturally aspirated 90-degree
TransmissionJaguar 7-speed magnesium-cased longitudinal semi-automatic
Power900 hp @ 19,000 rpm[1]
FuelBP
LubricantsCastrol
TyresMichelin
Competition history
Notable entrantsJaguar Racing
Notable drivers14. Australia Mark Webber
15. Brazil Antônio Pizzonia
15. United Kingdom Justin Wilson
Debut2003 Australian Grand Prix
Last event2003 Japanese Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
16000
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

The Jaguar R4 is a Formula One car with which Jaguar Racing competed in the 2003 Formula One season. It was driven by Mark Webber, Antônio Pizzonia and Justin Wilson.

After three years in Formula One, and amid a turbulent atmosphere that had claimed the leaderships of Niki Lauda and Bobby Rahal, Jaguar Racing became much more stable in 2003. Now led by Tony Purnell and David Pitchforth, results – previously elusive – were a priority. At the end of 2002 Eddie Irvine was out of contract and retired from Formula One, and Pedro de la Rosa was negotiated out of his standing contract. New drivers Mark Webber and Antônio Pizzonia were drafted into the team and the entirety of the management team was re-structured.

The car was also revamped, with the R4 representing a fresh approach compared to the previous season's R3. Its designers focused on producing a much stiffer chassis, and aimed to root out problems during the pre-season with a concerted programme of on-track testing and factory work.

2003 season

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Despite the priority on testing, the new R4 was barely ready for the 2003 season, having covered comparatively few miles as a finished package. Reliability problems had caused delays, although engine suppliers Cosworth performed well by supplying the team with engines for the hybrid chassis and testing.

At the Brazilian Grand Prix Webber crashed heavily, triggering an incident that led to the race being red flagged. Webber's commitment and determination was a boost to the team, recording several sixth- and seventh-place finishes en-route to a Constructors' Championship finish of sixth. Pizzonia lagged far behind, despite his experience and the car's performance as demonstrated by Webber's results.

Pizzonia issues

[edit]

After the Spanish Grand Prix Antônio Pizzonia's seat was under threat and it was reported widely that Jaguar wanted to snap up experienced McLaren test driver Alexander Wurz. However this came to nothing, as McLaren wanted Wurz's experience in developing its new car and retained the Austrian as test driver. This left Jaguar in a tricky position, backtracking and apologising with Pizzônia remaining in the car until the British Grand Prix. Despite a lap 44 retirement due to gearbox issues, this was his most convincing drive of the season; however Jaguar replaced him with Justin Wilson from the Minardi team.

Livery

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In Monaco Grand Prix, Jaguar took the unique decision to re-colour its signature-leaping cat pink in celebration of the Steinmetz Flawless Diamond Collection and the presentation of the Steinmetz Pink - a 59.60 carat natural, pink diamond.[2] At the British Grand Prix, both cars had the Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines livery on its air box.[3]

Complete Formula One results

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(key)

Year Team Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Points WCC
2003 Jaguar Cosworth V10 M AUS MAL BRA SMR ESP AUT MON CAN EUR FRA GBR GER HUN ITA USA JPN 18 7th
Webber Ret Ret 9 Ret 7 7 Ret 7 6 6 14 11 6 7 Ret 11
Pizzonia 13 Ret Ret 14 Ret 9 Ret 10 10 10 Ret
Wilson Ret Ret Ret 8 13

References

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  • Henry, Alan, ed. (2003). AUTOCOURSE 2003-2004. Hazleton Publishing Ltd. pp. 76–77. ISBN 1-903135-20-6.
  1. ^ "Engine Ford Cosworth • STATS F1".
  2. ^ "Jaguar in the pink at Monaco". Motorsport.com. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Arnie comes to F1". GrandPrix.com. Retrieved 23 September 2022.