F1® car collectors have a limited-time opportunity to own a genuine, race used F1® car, complete with an engine. The 1992 GR02 F1® race car is a survivor of one of the most iconic eras of the sport. Extremely rare, ‘Chassis 03’ is one of only three ever made, having competed in three Grands Prix during its lifespan.
Starting out as a small Italian supplier, forging and casting wheels and components for big automotive names, Fondmetal grew to eventually become an industrial powerhouse. Under the ownership of Gabriele Rumi, the company expanded into Formula 1® for the 1991 and 1992 seasons.
The GR02 was the team’s challenger for 1992 and was the last ever Fondmetal car in F1®. This exact chassis, Chassis 03, was driven by Eric van de Poele, who qualified for three Grands Prix in 1992: the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Belgian Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix. The chassis’ best result came in Belgium when van de Poele finished tenth.
Only three chassis were made of the GR02; a fourth was planned however it was never assembled into a complete car, making Chassis 03 the final Fondmetal car to compete in F1®.
Now being auctioned by F1® Authentics, Chassis 03 has been restored under the guidance of its original chief designer, Sergio Rinland, and notably features a period-correct Cosworth HB engine.
In an exclusive interview with F1® Authentics, former F1® driver Eric van de Poele said:
“The car is exactly like it was. And when I see the details, everything is perfect. When I had the chance to drive it again in 2021, at a demo in Spa, the car was incredibly fantastic to drive … I think the story of Fondmetal in Formula One is something very special.”
Also speaking exclusively to F1® Authentics, Sergio Rinland said:
“When people ask me which of the old cars that I designed I feel most proud of, I always say the Fondmetal, because we had no influence, we had no legacy. We had to start from scratch... I had four months to design and build the car... It represents my life. I mean, it's my pride and joy ... I consider it probably my best design.” He continued, “it had a lot of innovations that took many years for other Formula One cars to have ... (such as) the side channels, which every single car now has. ”
Mec Auto, a race car restoration workshop in Europe, with the blessing of Sergio Rinland, sourced the correct Cosworth HB engine, installed a rebuilt gearbox and fitted a modern MOTEC ECU and dash for reliable running. That is the car’s only non-period modification - every other element remains true to its 1992 F1® build.
This exceptionally rare F1® race car is now available to buy on F1® Authentics as part of the End of Season Auction campaign. Fans and collectors can bid at f1authentics.com. The auction is live until 9th December 2025. See the full video here: https://youtu.be/TaXS0WBDLak?si=M-0ujQ12bgJ0TGXu
