Embraer’s aircraft wind tunnel lacked a rolling road, preventing precise measurements, thus leading to rapid modifications for the FD02, including new side radiators and a larger air intake. These improvements brought some progress, culminating in a 13th-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix. However, subsequent tests exposed further issues, failing to qualify in Kyalami and Monaco, and retirements in Montjuïc and Zolder, where Wilson finished last.
The team moved on to the FD03, featuring a new suspension and revised aerodynamics. At Zandvoort, Wilson finished 11th despite a difficult start, having qualified last. However, technical failures continued to force retirements in France, Britain, and Germany. The worst moment came in Austria, where a crash resulted in Wilson fracturing his hand. For the Imola Grand Prix, Arturo Merzario took over, finishing 11th, while Wilson, now recovered, returned at Watkins Glen, achieving the team’s best result of the season: 10th place.
Fittipaldi-Copersucar’s debut was a tough learning experience, but the FD03 proved to be a more effective development ahead of the FD04. The following season, Ingo Hoffmann would still use the FD03 for the first race, finishing 11th — ahead of Emerson Fittipaldi, who was making his debut with the team.