Perchè la F1 a 6 ruote fu un FALLIMENTO - Tyrrell P34

Summary

The script narrates the unique history of the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 Formula 1 car, designed by Derek Gardner in the 1970s. It discusses the innovative concept, development, and challenges faced by the team, including balancing braking and handling issues. Despite initial success with podium finishes, the P34 ultimately faced reliability issues and was outpaced by evolving tire technology, leading to its retirement. The story captures the spirit of innovation in Formula 1 and the P34's legacy as a bold experiment in racing history.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ The Tyrrell P34 was a Formula 1 car with a unique six-wheel design, featuring four front and two rear wheels.
• 📅 Introduced on September 22, 1975, the P34 was intended for the 1976 season and was a significant departure from traditional four-wheeled F1 cars.
• 🤔 The six-wheel concept aimed to reduce drag and lift by using smaller front wheels, potentially increasing straight-line speed and stability.
• 🔍 Derek Gardner, the designer of the P34, sought an 'unfair advantage' within the rules to make the Tyrrell stand out from other teams.
• 🏆 The Tyrrell team had a history of success, including winning the Formula 1 World Championship with Jackie Stewart in 1969.
• 👨‍🔧 The P34 was designed without the use of modern computer simulations, relying on Gardner's engineering expertise and intuition.
• 🇬🇧 The project was initiated by Ken Tyrrell, who had a background in timber trading and a passion for motorsports, leading to the establishment of the Tyrrell racing team.
• 🎖️ The P34 achieved some early success, including a pole position and a win in the 1977 Swedish Grand Prix.
• 🛑 The car faced reliability issues and handling problems, particularly with braking and tire performance, which affected its competitiveness.
• 🔄 The Goodyear tire company initially supported the project by developing smaller front tires, but later discontinued their development, impacting the P34's performance.
• 🚫 The six-wheel design was not adopted by other teams, and the FIA eventually banned the practice, making the Tyrrell P34 a one-of-its-kind in Formula 1 history.

Q & A

What was unique about the Tyrrell P34 Formula 1 car?

The Tyrrell P34 was unique because it had six wheels, with four small front wheels and two rear wheels, a design that was intended to reduce lift and improve aerodynamics.

Why did Tyrrell decide to develop a six-wheeled Formula 1 car?

Tyrrell's designer, Derek Gardner, was looking for an 'unfair advantage' that would make the car faster than its competitors while still adhering to the rules of Formula 1 at the time.

What was the initial reaction to the Tyrrell P34 when it was unveiled?

The initial reaction was one of surprise and shock, with many people left speechless. The car's unveiling was so unexpected that it took a moment before applause broke out.

How did the six-wheel design of the P34 affect its aerodynamics?

The six-wheel design was intended to reduce the lift generated by the front wheels and decrease the dirty air and vortices created by the front wheels, thus improving the overall aerodynamics of the car.

What were the challenges faced by the drivers when braking in the Tyrrell P34?

The six-wheel design made the braking balance very complex, as it involved not only balancing between the front and rear wheels but also between the two sets of front wheels, which could lead to one of the wheels locking up during turns.

What role did Goodyear play in the development of the Tyrrell P34?

Goodyear, the main tire supplier for Formula 1 at the time, believed in the six-wheel concept and developed smaller front tires for the P34. They also provided a young mathematician, Carl Goodyear, who calculated the perfect tire sizes using early computers.

What were the main competitors of the Tyrrell P34 during its racing years?

The main competitors of the Tyrrell P34 were Ferrari and McLaren, with drivers like Niki Lauda and James Hunt, who were engaged in a spectacular duel during the 1976 season.

What was the fate of the Tyrrell P34 in the 1977 season?

In 1977, the evolved version of the Tyrrell P34 faced reliability issues and was less competitive due to the discontinuation of the development of the smaller front tires by Goodyear, making the car undriveable and unable to achieve any victories.

Who were the drivers of the Tyrrell P34, and how did they feel about the car?

The drivers of the Tyrrell P34 were Jody Scheckter and Patrick Depailler. While Depailler loved the car and felt comfortable with its handling, Scheckter struggled with its braking and handling, never finding confidence in the car.

What was the impact of the Lotus 78 on the Tyrrell P34's competitiveness?

The arrival of the Lotus 78 in 1977 shifted the focus in Formula 1 to aerodynamics and ground effect designs, which did not complement the four front wheels of the Tyrrell P34, further reducing its competitiveness.

Why was the six-wheel concept eventually abandoned in Formula 1?

The six-wheel concept was abandoned after the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, banned the practice. The concept was not adopted by other teams, and the Tyrrell P34 remains the only Formula 1 car with six wheels to have won a race.