Footwork FA12
The Footwork FA12 was a Formula 1 - racing cars of the British team Arrows , who from 1991 to 1993 with one of Porsche should be used newly designed V12 engine. The designer of the footwork chassis was Alan Jenkins.
history
In 1989 it became known that Porsche, after winning the drivers' world championship with the TAG- financed turbo engine and chassis built by McLaren , was aiming for a renewed involvement in Formula 1 between 1984 and 1986 . In contrast to the previously used turbo technology , the FISA regulations now required a naturally aspirated engine with a maximum displacement of 3.5 liters , so that it was not possible to fall back on proven technology. A new engine had to be developed within a short time.
In early 1990, the Japanese owner of Footwork, Wataru Ohashi , secured the engine exclusively from Porsche and assumed the financial risk. The chassis was made by Arrows . Michele Alboreto and Alex Caffi were signed as drivers . In contrast to its involvement with McLaren, Porsche appeared as an applicant together with Footwork.
In the 1991 season the FA 12 was launched. However, the car turned out to be immature. This affected both the engine and the six-speed gearbox built by Footwork or Arrows and the chassis. The unit was clearly lacking in performance, and because of its overweight it contributed to handling problems. In addition, there were massive problems with the oil pressure, which led to numerous engine damage on the first GP weekends. The vehicles often broke down after just a few laps.
Caffi could not qualify for the first four races. After a traffic accident, Stefan Johansson replaced him without improving the results. The non-qualification of both drivers at the Brazilian Grand Prix was sobering. In the middle of the season, after the French Grand Prix in July, Porsche left the project. Arrows relied on Ford engines for the rest of the season. In this constellation, the qualification for the races regularly succeeded, but apart from several seventh places for Michele Alboreto, there were no constructor points to record.
Technical specifications
| Footwork FA12 | Data |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 12-cylinder in V-shape, angle 80 ° |
| Displacement: | 3498 cc |
| Bore × stroke: | 86 x 50.2 mm |
| Performance at 1 / min: | 496 kW (670 hp) at 13500 |
| Max. Torque at 1 / min: | |
| Compression: | |
| Valve control: | Four-valve, DOHC , driven by gears |
| Cooling: | Water cooling |
| Transmission: | 6 speed transmission |
| Brakes: | Disc brakes |
| Front suspension: | |
| Rear suspension: | |
| Front suspension: | |
| Rear suspension: | |
| Body: | Monocoque |
| Track width front / rear: | |
| Wheelbase : | |
| Tires: | |
| Dimensions L × W × H: | |
| Empty weight : | 500 kg |
| Top speed: | 350 km / h |
Web links
Racing car of the 1991 Formula 1 World Championship
