Osella FA1M-89

Osella FA1M-89

Constructor:	Osella
Designer:	Antonio Tomaini Ignazio Lunetta
Predecessor:	Osella FA1L
Successor:	Osella FA1ME
Technical specifications
Chassis:	CFRP monocoque
Wheelbase:	2850 mm
Weight:	520 kg
Tires:	Pirelli
Petrol:	Agip
statistics
Driver:	Piercarlo Ghinzani Nicola Larini
First start:	1989 San Marino Grand Prix
Last start:	1990 San Marino Grand Prix
Starts Victories Poles SR 13 - - -
World Cup points:	-
Podiums:	-
Leadership laps:	-

The Osella FA1M-89  - sometimes also called Osella FA1M - was a Formula 1 racing car from the Osella Squadra Corse team , with which the Piedmontese team contested the 1989 Formula 1 season and the first two races in 1990 . The FA1M-89 replaced the Osella FA1L . It was Osella's first completely redesigned racing car since 1984 . At the beginning of the naturally aspirated engine era, it was with him that the team achieved the ultimate solution from the Alfa Romeo legacy, which had significantly shaped Osella's image between 1984 and 1988 . The FA1M-89 was more powerful than its predecessor, but suffered from a lack of reliability. The pilots were able to achieve some qualifying results in midfield; however, the FA1M-89 did not make a single finish.

The technology

The Osella FA1M-89 was designed by Antonio Tomaini. It had a newly developed monocoque made of composite materials that was significantly slimmer than that of its predecessors. The front and rear suspension consisted of tension struts with double wishbones. The body was also completely redesigned. The design of the superstructure was based on extensive aerodynamic tests in various Italian wind tunnels. The FA1M-89 had, in keeping with the style of the time, a narrow, high air scoop that merged into a sloping bonnet. The side pods were low and short. A Cosworth DFR engine, which was prepared by Heini Mader Racing Components in Switzerland , served as the drive . With it, Osella had a competitive engine for the first time in years. Osella used Pirelli tires this season , which were clearly superior to Goodyear's , especially in qualifying . The FA1M-89 was widely seen as a step forward for Osella.

The races

1989 Formula 1 season

In 1989 Osella used one FA1M-89 each for Nicola Larini and Piercarlo Ghinzani . Both drivers were subject to pre-qualification.

Larini failed eight times in the pre-qualification; he was able to safely qualify for the eight other races. He repeatedly reached starting positions in the midfield. The best result was tenth place on the grid at the Japanese Grand Prix ; in addition, he reached an eleventh place each in Spain and Australia . Larini could not finish any of the races regularly. At the Grand Prix of San Marino he was nevertheless included in the ranking. Although he retired eight laps before the end after an accident; however, the distance covered was sufficient to be classified as twelfth. A disqualification, two driving errors and several technical and electrical defects usually led to an early retirement.

Piercarlo Ghinzani dropped out in 13 races in the pre-qualification. He was able to qualify for three races, but he did not finish in any of the Grand Prix either.

1990 Formula 1 season

In the first two races of 1990, the technically unchanged Osella FA1M-89 was used for Olivier Grouillard . With eighth place on the grid in the first race of the season, the Frenchman achieved the best qualifying result in Osella's Formula 1 history. In the race, however, as at the following event, he was canceled after an accident.

The Osella FA1ME

→ Main article : Osella FA1ME

The Osella FA1M-89 was replaced in 1990 by the FA1ME (E for "elaborato"), which had been revised especially in the area of ​​the suspension. The car was still used by Fondmetal Corse in 1991 before it was replaced by the Fondmetal Fomet 1 .

Race results

driver	No.	1	2	3	4th	5	6th	7th	8th	9	10	11	12	13	14th	15th	16	Points	rank
1989 Formula 1 season																		0
N. Larini	17th	DSQ	12	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNF	DNPQ	DNF	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNF	DNPQ	DNF	DNF	DNF
P. Ghinzani	18th	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNF	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNPQ	DNF	DNPQ	DNF
1990 Formula 1 season																		0	-
O. Grouillard	14th	DNF	DNF

literature

• Adriano Cimarosti: The Century of Racing. Cars, tracks and pilots. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 1997, ISBN 3-613-01848-9 .
• David Hodges: A – Z of Grand Prix Cars. Crowood Press, Marlborough 2001, ISBN 1-86126-339-2 (English).
• David Hodges: Racing cars from A – Z after 1945. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 1994, ISBN 3-613-01477-7 .
• Pierre Ménard: La Grande Encyclopédie de la Formule 1st 2nd edition. Chronosports, St. Sulpice 2000, ISBN 2-940125-45-7 (French).

Web links

• Nicola Larini in Osella FA1M-89 (1989).

Individual evidence

1. ^ Hodges: AZ of Grand Prix Cars. 2001, p. 186.
2. ↑ Cimarosti: The Century of Racing. 1997, p. 403.
3. ↑ Cimarosti: The Century of Racing. 1997, p. 394.
4. ^ Hodges: Rennwagen von A – Z after 1945. 1994, p. 206.