Ferrari 312 B 3
This car marks a significant cut at Ferrari 1974. One does not remain without some success in recent years. With the 1970 newly introduced 312 B (for 'boxer engine') one has won right in the first year, the second place in
the Constructors' World Championship e.g. 4 GP victories. But the Italians it's not enough. After all, the first place is already ten years ago.
The old team is replaced, the dismissal of Mauro Forghieri is undone after one year. He rebuild the car in the winter of 1973/74. From a semi-monocoque will be a whole, still it is not made of carbon fiber but large-sized
aluminum profiles. Driver and tanks move forward without changing the outer dimensions and even there is again a steel frame for the front suspension.
The special role of the actuator is maintained. Only the transmission still is not installed cross the rear axle area, as later usual. It is located longitudinal behind it, has five speeds to change at least via a delicate lever with
open selector lever escutcheon. For the rear suspension, there also is a crossbar on the axle drive.
The most striking replacement - except the drivers - is the employment of Luca de Montezemolo by Agnelli, the boss of Fiat. It is the beginning of a great career and him brings not only to the top of Ferrari and Maserati, but
also of the parent group. It is probably also essential for in future available capacities in Formula 1 that Ferrari gives up his long-distance racing ambitions.
For racing is as important the engagement of young Niki Lauda, the comes together with Clay Regazzoni from BRM. Both win for Ferrari in Spain (Lauda), Netherlands (both), Germany (Regazzioni) in the 1974 season and
with other good places, Lauda had it almost made. Thus there remains only the second place at the drivers and constructors, and a superior pole position winner.
The substance in form of the vehicle is thus good and Lauda tests endless, it still to improve. 1975 is then possible what a year earlierwas denied. First places among drivers (Lauda) and the designers. 312 T denotes the
transversal transmission, which reduces the overhanging masses and prevails later generally. 08/09
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