Caterham CT03
CT03 in testing pre-season in Barcelona
Template: Infobox racing car / Maintenance / stop parameters
The Caterham CT03 is the fourth Formula 1 racing car of Caterham F1 Team (formerly Lotus ) and the second with the chassis name Caterham. The vehicle is used in the 2013 Formula 1 season and was presented to the public on February 5, 2013 at the Circuito de Jerez.
Technology and Development
The CT03 is the successor of the CT01. The term CT02 was not skipped, but used by a Caterham - road sports car. Although the FIA allowed a so-called Eitelkeitsblende, Caterham uses them not. This gives the car a still regarded as unaesthetic " nasal hump ". The CT03 is powered by a Renault V8 engine with 2.4 liter displacement, which develops an output of 550 kW ( ≈ 750 bhp). The gearbox and KERS come from Red Bull Racing.
Like all Formula 1 cars, the 2013 season is equipped with KERS and DRS to the CT03.
The CT03 is essentially an evolution of the CT01, but has some major changes. The side pods have been significantly revised to improve airflow at the rear. In addition, diffuser, engine cover, cooling air outlets, the wind deflector in front of the sidepods and the underbody was also modified.
Also the positioning of the exhaust has been revised. However, other teams are in the air duct of the exhaust gases to the underbody a violation of the technical regulations of the FIA , which prohibits the use of exhaust gases to aerodynamic purposes.
Caterham responded to the allegations, already in the third pre-season test at the Circuit de Catalunya was a modified air routing the exhaust to see the horizontal flap on the exhaust shaft was no longer present.
Paint and sponsorship
The base coat of the CT03 is green, in contrast to the previous model, a significantly lighter shade used. The front and rear wings of the cars are kept black. In addition, there are shades of yellow. Sponsors stickers come from Airbus, Air Asia, McGregor and Renault.
Driver
Caterham comes with two new riders for 2013 season. The Frenchman Charles Pic, who already ran an entire season for Marussia, changes in the team. The second driver of the CT03 is the Formula 1 newcomer Giedo van der Garde, who drove before in the GP2 Series.