Lotus 81

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English

Template:No sources

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".

The Lotus 81 was a Formula One racing car built by Colin Chapman's Lotus team for the 1980 Formula One season. Unlike many of forebears the 81 was not a terribly innovative or competitive car, coming as it did at a time when Chapman's interest in his racing activities was waning.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Instead it was a very standard ground effect design with sliding skirts and the ubiquitous Cosworth DFV 3.0 litre V8 powerplant. The car was said to generate a great deal of downforce but have excessive pitch sensitivity problems, ultimately leading Chapman to develop the innovative twin-chassis Lotus 88.

Mario Andretti and Elio de Angelis used the 81 in all 14 rounds of the 1980 Formula One world championship, and the car also gave Nigel Mansell his Formula One debut, with the British driver lining up in a total of three races that season. The best result for the car was Elio de Angelis's 2nd place in Brazil.

Chapman had intended to use the Lotus 88 for the Template:Ifnumber season,Script error: No such module "Unsubst". but a massive furore over the legality of the new car meant that the 81 was kept on as a stop gap for the first four races Lotus competed in, as they boycotted the 1981 San Marino Grand Prix, with Mansell taking 3rd place in the Belgian Grand Prix and de Angelis claiming three points finishes. The car was replaced by the Lotus 87.

File:Lotus 81 at Barber 01.jpg
The Lotus 81 at Barber.
File:Lotus 81 engine and transmission.JPG
Lotus 81 engine and transmission

Complete Formula One results

(key)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Points WCC
Template:Ifnumber Team Essex Lotus 81 Ford Cosworth DFV G ARG BRA RSA USW BEL MON FRA GBR GER AUT NED ITA CAN USA 14 5th
Mario Andretti Ret Ret 12 Ret Ret 7 Ret Ret 7 Ret 8 Ret Ret 6
Elio de Angelis Ret 2 Ret Ret 10 9 Ret Ret 16 6 Ret 4 10 4
81B Nigel Mansell Ret Ret DNQ
Template:Ifnumber Team Essex Lotus 81B Ford Cosworth DFV M USW BRA ARG SMR BEL MON ESP FRA GBR GER AUT NED ITA CAN CPL 22* 7th
Nigel Mansell Ret 11 Ret 3
Elio de Angelis Ret 5 6 5

* Of those, 9 points were scored with the 81 model.

Template:Team Lotus

Template:Navbox top

Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5
Owner Colin Chapman David Wickins General Motors Romano Artioli Proton Holdings Geely/Etika
Sports racer VIII IX Eleven 15 17 19 23 30 40 47 62
Mark VI Seven 340R 2‑Eleven 3‑Eleven 66
Roadster Elan Elan M100 Elise
Coupé Elite Elan Exige Emira
Europa Esprit Europa S Evora Evija
Grand tourer Elan +2 Elite
Eclat Excel
Saloon Cortina Cortina Carlton Emeya
SUV Eletre
Racing cars
Related cars
Concept cars
Future cars
Key figures
Group Lotus

Template:Navbox bottom Script error: No such module "Navbox".

Script error: No such module "Navbox".

Retrieved from "http://debianws.lexgopc.com/wiki143/index.php?title=Lotus_81&oldid=5146417"