Ferrari 126C

Photo: Morio · CC BY-SA 3.0

Raced1981–1984

EngineV6

The Ferrari 126 C was the team's first turbocharged Formula 1 car and raced starting in 1981; Mauro Forghieri and Harvey Postlethwaite designed it. Replacing the wide twelve-cylinder was a smaller, narrower 120° V6 displacing 1496 cm³, which suited the ground-effect aerodynamics required at the time. Ferrari briefly tested a Comprex pressure-wave supercharger from a Swiss company, which the drivers praised, but opted for twin KKK turbochargers producing around 600 bhp in qualifying due to packaging height. In 62 races, the series claimed 10 wins and the Constructors' Championship in both 1982 and 1983.

Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.

Good to know

Gilles Villeneuve called the 126CK "a big red Cadillac" because of its difficult handling.
Harvey Postlethwaite later said the 126CK had only a quarter of the downforce generated by Williams or Brabham.
The Comprex supercharger, a pressure-wave charger made by Brown Boveri, drove like a naturally aspirated engine with a wide powerband and none of the notorious turbo lag, but was packaged too tall.
Nicola Materazzi joined Ferrari in December 1979 because of his turbo experience with the Lancia Stratos Gr 5 Silhouette; he was tasked with matching Renault's expertise.

Learn moreComprex vs. turbo · Handling in 1981

Comprex vs. turbo

During engine development, Ferrari tried a Comprex pressure-wave supercharger from a Swiss company; the version was initially called 126BBC, after Brown Boveri Comprex, and later 126CX. Drivers praised it, but the system sat high and exhaust gas could mix with intake air. Materazzi even prepared a second variant with two smaller Comprex units driven by a hydraulic clutch rather than belts, but it was never raced. The team opted for twin KKK turbochargers developing around 600 bhp in qualifying and 550 bhp in the race; this car was named 126CK.

Handling in 1981

Villeneuve won back-to-back races in Monaco and Spain in 1981, but early teething issues with the turbo engine ended his title hopes. The car performed best on high-speed circuits like Hockenheim, Monza, and Buenos Aires. According to Didier Pironi and Postlethwaite, the problem lay less with the chassis than with the aerodynamics. Combined with the stiff suspension, the car slid on corner entry until ground effect pulled it back down. The engine was the most powerful of the year, but it suffered from massive turbo lag and an abrupt power curve.

Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.

Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 126C

When was the Ferrari 126C raced?

The Ferrari 126C was raced from 1981 to 1984.

How much power does the Ferrari 126C have?

Power of the Ferrari 126C: 560-680 hp at 11'500 /min.

What engine does the Ferrari 126C have?

Engine of the Ferrari 126C: 1496 cm³ 120° V6 turbo Ferrari 021 / 031. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.

Who engineered the Ferrari 126C?

Engineering of the Ferrari 126C: Mauro Forghieri (Technical Director, Chief Designer); Antonio Tomaini (Chief Designer, CK); Harvey Postlethwaite (Chief Designer, C2-C4).

Who drove the Ferrari 126C?

Drivers of the Ferrari 126C: Gilles Villeneuve, Patrick Tambay, Michele Alboreto, Didier Pironi, Mario Andretti, René Arnoux.

How many races did the Ferrari 126C win?

The Ferrari 126C took 10 wins in 62 races.

What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 126C?

Predecessor: 312T5. Successor: 156/85.

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1982