January 27, 2004
With Monza testing due to start in 2 days time, the Phoenix F1 team hit the track with their 2004 challenger, the PF1-02 (GP4). In test livery, both Antonio Irisarri & Daniel Wilkinson were on hand to complete system checks on the car. Compared to their steadfast 2003 car, the design sees a radical approach to the 2004 regulations!

Although only running systems checks prior to shipping out to Monza for the next pre-season test, the Phoenix F1 team made a surprise appearance at the Silverstone track, where only 3 days before they were putting their interim 2003/04 car through its paces.

2003 PF1-01 "conventional" but still effective

Initial 2003/04 test car - "lowering the centre of gravity"

The 2003/04 interim car had major aerodynamic amendments compared to the 2003 car (see images above), but their definitive 2004 challenger - the PF1-02 (GP4) seen below - has clearly taken a step further.

The 2004 car has a twin-keel design allied to a drooping nose, the aim being to improve the air flow under and around the car, thus creating more downforce. This sees a major departure from both the '03 car and the '03/04. Clearly there are more design secrets within the packaging, but to the naked eye the car sits much lower to the ground and is more tightly packaged. It is definitely not as "bulky" looking as the 2003 car.

Andy Graydon commented "Monza will no doubt be a learning curve for the new car, so great times are not to be expected".