The car was designed as a replacement for the slow, cumbersome "B" version of the FG01 that the team had used to limited effect in and at the beginning of 1996. Introduced at Imola, it was a major step forward in terms of downforce and sensitivity; however, it only finished once, at its debut race, and both drivers failed to make the 107% time for the Spanish and British Grands Prix. Ultimately, the FG03 was too little, too late, and Forti folded at the German GP.