1999 AP02 Formula 1

The 1999 Prost AP02: A Beautiful Struggle in Blue

The late 1990s were a turbulent era for some of Formula 1's smaller teams, and few exemplified the highs and lows of this period like Prost Grand Prix. Headed by four-time World Champion Alain Prost, the team entered the 1999 season with the hope of rebuilding momentum after a disappointing 1998 campaign. The car tasked with that mission? The striking and ambitious Prost AP02.

A Car with Strong Foundations

Designed by Loïc Bigois and Jean-Paul Gousset, the AP02 was a noticeable improvement in design philosophy over the troubled AP01. Built around a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, it featured revised aerodynamics and a cleaner overall package, aiming for better mechanical grip and stability.

Powering the AP02 was the Peugeot A18 V10 engine, a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre unit producing around 785 horsepower. While it was powerful on paper, reliability and integration were still problematic—a recurring issue in the team’s partnership with Peugeot.

The gearbox was a Prost-designed semi-automatic 6-speed, and the car ran on Bridgestone tyres, like most of the field in 1999.