The Ferrari 246 P F1 was a Formula One race car prototype used by Ferrari in 1960.[1] It was Ferrari's first mid-engined car.[2]

Development

The disappointing form of the Ferrari 246 in 1959, along with the continuing rise of Cooper and Lotus, finally convinced Enzo Ferrari that the future lay in rear-engine cars. The 246P was developed in secret by a team led by Carlo Chiti. After sorting its tail-heavy weight distribution, it debuted at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix, retiring on lap 70 with a failed differential, but classified sixth.

156 F2

With the new 1.5 litre rules due to come into force in 1961, the 246P was then pressed into service as a development mule for the revised V6 engine, in which guise it could compete in the existing Formula Two class. It made a single World Championship appearance, at the 1960 Italian Grand Prix, finishing fifth, but won the Formula Two Solitude Grand Prix.[3]

Technical data

Technical data 246 P F1 156 F2 0008
Engine: Mid-mounted 65° 6 cylinder V engine
Cylinder: 2417.3 cm³1476.6 cm³
Bore x stroke: 85 x 71 mm73 x 58.8 mm
Compression: 10.0:19.8:1
Max power at rpm: 263 hp at 8 600 rpm185 hp at 9 200 rpm
Valve control: Double Overhead Camshafts per cylinder bank, 2 valves per cylinder
Carburetor: 3 Weber 42 DCN3 Weber 38 DCN
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
suspension front: Double wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar
suspension rear: Double wishbones, coil springs and co-axial telescopic dampers
Brakes: Drum brakes
Chassis & body: tubular steel
Wheelbase: 232 cm
Dry weight: 452 kg
Dry speed: 280 km/h250 km/h

Complete Formula One World Championship results

(key)(results in bold indicate pole position, results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Points WCC
1960 Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari 171 2.4 V6 D ARG MON 500 NED BEL FRA GBR POR ITA USA 26
(27)*
3rd*
Richie Ginther 6
Ferrari 1.5 V6 Wolfgang Von Trips 5

* Includes points scored by the Ferrari 246

References

  • Small, Steve (2000). Grand Prix Who's Who (3rd ed.). Travel Publishing. ISBN 1-902-00746-8.
  1. "Ferrari 246P". statsf1.com. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  2. "Ferrari 246 P F1". formula1.ferrari.com. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  3. "Ferrari's first rear-engined car". 8w.forix.com. Retrieved 2022-10-13.