Photo: Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England · CC BY 2.0
The 643 debuted at the 1991 French Grand Prix as a replacement for the 642 and was designed by Steve Nichols and Jean-Claude Migeot. Its chassis was completely new, featuring softer suspension travel as requested by Alain Prost; the V12 underwent six major revisions over the course of the year. Prost qualified on the front row for the debut, led briefly, and finished second after Nigel Mansell passed him in the Williams-Renault. Ultimately, the car helped the team to 3rd place in the constructors' championship. Following criticisms directed at the team management, Prost was later replaced by Gianni Morbidelli.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- Prost eventually remarked that a truck would be easier to drive than this car; he was dismissed following the Japanese race.
- It was Prost's second dismissal by a works team: Renault had fired him two days after the end of the season due to public criticism of the RE40.
- For the first time since 1986, Ferrari failed to win a Formula 1 race.
- The V12 was fundamentally updated six times in 1991, with the final evolution raced from Portugal through to the end of the season.
Learn moreChassis and engine · Why it fell short · Track record
Chassis and engine
The chassis of the 643 was a new design because the 642 suffered from inconsistent handling, and it allowed for softer suspension travel, as requested by Prost. After the French Grand Prix, the exhaust outlets were relocated from beneath the car, and minor revisions to the bodywork followed in Belgium. The 125 kg cast-iron block V12 revved to around 14,800 rpm and produced around 735 PS (540 kW). The fuel tank held 215 liters, and the seven-speed semi-automatic transmission was built in-house by Ferrari.
Why it fell short
The 643 was not as competitive as the Williams FW14 and McLaren MP4/6. A major issue was that accurate data was not gathered due to turmoil within team management. Team principal Cesare Fiorio had been dismissed, and Prost criticized those in charge, Claudio Lombardi, Piero Ferrari, and Marco Piccinini. At the finale in Australia, test driver Gianni Morbidelli drove, finishing sixth.
Track record
The 643 scored 39.5 of the team's 55.5 points; another 16 points were earned with the 642 in the first six races. Combined with the 642, the record stood at 8 podium finishes and 3rd place in the Constructors' Championship. In early 1992, Ivan Capelli tested the car once more before the F92A replaced it at the start of the season.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 643
When was the Ferrari 643 raced?
The Ferrari 643 was raced in 1991.
How much power does the Ferrari 643 have?
Power of the Ferrari 643: 710 hp at 13'800 /min.
What engine does the Ferrari 643 have?
Engine of the Ferrari 643: 3499 cm³ 65° V12 NA Ferrari Tipo 291. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
How many Ferrari 643 were built?
Units built of the Ferrari 643: 5 chassis.
Who engineered the Ferrari 643?
Engineering of the Ferrari 643: Steve Nichols (Technical Director); Jean-Claude Migeot (Chief Designer); Gianfranco Ciampolini (Head of Electronics); Paolo Massai ….
Who drove the Ferrari 643?
Drivers of the Ferrari 643: Alain Prost, Jean Alesi, Gianni Morbidelli.
How many races did the Ferrari 643 win?
The Ferrari 643 took 0 wins in 10 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 643?
Predecessor: 642. Successor: F92A.
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