The Prost AP04 represents the final chapter of Prost Grand Prix’s Formula 1 adventure. Designed under the direction of Henri Durand and chief engineer Loïc Bigois, this car aimed to restore the performance of the French team following a challenging 2000 season.
Entered for the 2001 season, it was driven by Jean Alesi and Gastón Mazzacane, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen taking over in the latter part of the championship.
Equipped with a Cosworth V8 engine, the AP04 combines a solid technical base with elegant styling and refined aerodynamic design, reflecting Alain Prost’s competitive spirit while utilizing one of Formula 1’s most reliable engines.
The Prost AP04 represents the final chapter of Prost Grand Prix’s Formula 1 adventure. Designed under the direction of Henri Durand and chief engineer Loïc Bigois, this car aimed to restore the performance of the French team following a challenging 2000 season.
Entered for the 2001 season, it was driven by Jean Alesi and Gastón Mazzacane, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen taking over in the latter part of the championship.
Equipped with a Cosworth V8 engine, the AP04 combines a solid technical base with elegant styling and refined aerodynamic design, reflecting Alain Prost’s competitive spirit while utilizing one of Formula 1’s most reliable engines.
Construction: Carbon-fibre and epoxy monocoque with composite honeycomb structure — meeting the strictest FIA standards.
Front Suspension: Carbon double wishbones, pushrod-activated system, anti-roll bar.
Rear Suspension: Double wishbones with pushrod-activated springs and dampers, anti-roll bar.
Dampers: Supplied by Prost Grand Prix / Sachs.
Steering: Hydraulic-assisted rack and pinion.
Brakes: Carbon discs and pads, six-piston calipers (Brembo).
Wheels: Forged magnesium BBS.
Tyres: Michelin — marking the French manufacturer’s return to F1.
Fuel System: Kevlar-reinforced ATL fuel cell.
Cooling: Aluminium water and oil radiators integrated into the sidepods.
Electronics: Magneti Marelli ECU, FIA-standard.
Cockpit:
Removable anatomically shaped carbon-fibre seat, six-point harness, HANS device.
Multifunction carbon steering wheel with digital display.
Overall width: 1,800 mm.
Gearbox: 7-speed semi-automatic sequential with reverse, developed by Prost Grand Prix.
Shift system: Electro-hydraulic paddle-operated.
Clutch: Carbon multi-plate.
Designation: Cosworth V8 HB
Configuration: 3.5-litre V8, 75°
Estimated power: ~650 hp at 12,500 rpm
Valve actuation: Pneumatic
The last Prost Grand Prix F1 car before the team folded in 2002.
Michelin returned to Formula 1 alongside Prost.
Jean Alesi completed 13 consecutive Grand Prix races, demonstrating regained reliability.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen scored the team’s final points at the 2001 Belgian Grand Prix.
