Ferrari 412T2

Ferrari 412T2 image

Active: 1995
Team: Scuderia Ferrari SpA

Team: John Barnard (TD), Gustav Brunner (CD), Willem Toet (HA), Jean Todt (SD), Luca Di Montezemolo (President)
Drivers: Jean Alesi (27), Gerhard Berger (28)

The 412T2 was the latest design by John Barnard's UK-based Ferrari design and development firm. Jean Todt was again at the helm of the team, aiming to build on the momentum of 1994 and attempt to challenge for the championship in 1995. It is the only car to be powered by a 5-valve V12 Ferrari engine, and used the last of Ferrari V12 engines.

The car's design is largely influenced by major regulation changes imposed by the FIA after the dreadful events during the year before. The F1 paddock was still reeling the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna and great measures were taken to improve the cars' safety. Engines were reduced from 3500cc to 3000cc while side protection structures around the driver's helmet were made mandatory. Front and rear wings were also changed to reduce downforce and therefore cornering speeds.

As of its first test, the car was considered the most beautiful of the field, and the drivers had nothing to complain about the handling or setup of the car. In fact the 412T2 was blindingly quick out of the box. Despite lacking early wins, Berger and Alesi secured several podiums, putting the Scuderia ahead in the constructors' championship after Imola. Several races later, Jean Alesi recorded his first and only Formula One win at Montreal, Canada, and could have secured some more had technical problems not interfered. The 412T2 marked the beginning of an uprise for Ferrari. It is a development of the previous Ferrari 412T1 and was good for one pole position - Gerhard Berger at the Belgian GP - and Jean Alesi's only Formula One win at Montreal, Canada.

The car is legendary for being the last real low nosed car made by Ferrari, and similarly also the last one powered by the V12 engine. Because of that engine, it is also considered to be one of the best sounding Formula One cars in history. Even though it was destined to be Ferrari's last V12 engine, development went on throughout the season, with the version introduced at the Italian GP (044/3) being shorter stroke.

Specifications

Chassis: Ferrari 647
Fuel & Lubricant: Agip Petroli
Tyres: Goodyear Eagle
Brakes: Ventilated carbon-fibre discs
Transmission: Rear-wheel drive, transverse, semi-automatic sequential 6-speed gearbox + reverse with electronic control, limited-slip differential

Dimensions

Length: 4380 mm
Width: 1995 mm
Height: 980 mm
Wheelbase: 2915 mm
Track (front/rear): 1690 mm / 1605 mm
Weight: 595 kg

Engine

Designation: Ferrari 3000 (044/1)
Configuration: Naturally aspirated, 75° V12
Displacement: 2997.343 cc
Construction: Light alloy block and head
Max. Power Output: approx. 600 bhp
Valvetrain: 5 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel Feed: Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection
Ignition: Champion 10 mm spark plugs, Magneti Marelli static
Weight: 132 kg
Location: Mid, longitudinally mounted

Image: chassis 156, Shigeru Hoshino at Ferrari Track Days, Nürburgring by Edwin Van Nes