In 2003 Art-Line Engineering made its debut in the Formula 1600 national class. The team closed the season with three “double golds” in a row. Both the team and one of its pilots, Alexander Tyuryumin, became the champions of Russia.
Art-Line Engineering used cars with the Dallara-F393 chassis and a modified VAZ engine (167hpw and 8000rpm) in 2003. The formulas had a 5-speed cam gearbox and a limited slip differential. The team’s design bureau also developed its own suspension system and enhanced the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The cars were equipped with onboard data logging systems.
Relying on experience acquired in the Formula 3, Art-Line Engineering applied modern European racing technologies in the national Formula 1600 class. Season results showed that the selected strategy and the team’s development ideology were correct. While the first races of the Championship of Russia were challenging and did not have strong results, the end of the season was truly triumphal.
For the first time in the history of Russian closed-circuit racing, the pilots of a single team were able to win three “double golds” in a row. The pilots won a total of four first places, four pole positions and five fastest laps. Alexander Tyuryumin and Nikolai Bolshikh Jr. rose to the podium seven times, setting track records at all locations where Formula 1600 races were held. The team gathered up the highest score possible in the Russian Cup: 74 of 74 points.
