Failed F1 Projects

[PTRACER]

Bottom post of the previous page:

I'm not the one who makes up these stories.

I realize that. At the same time, it's the repetition of outlandish claims that makes them "real" in a way that distorts reality. The internet has the power to rewrite history by sheer numbers; that's not a good development. Just because every second website claims that you can make easy money with bitcoins, that you can defeat CoViD by gargling bleach or that elections were stolen, doesn't make it real. Use of common sense is indispensable. If something looks crazy and impossible, it probably is. If it sounds too good to be true, then you better believe it is. If it involves secrets and big names, it's most likely invented - big things don't stay secret, or they were never big in the first place. The world wasn't invented yesterday, and clamouring for attention is the oldest game in town.

There are a LOT of people who believe those things too...As per the above, it's not forbidden to speculate here, and I don't think there is any danger in talking about these things. I find it interesting in a way.

I wonder how many of these rich businessmen actually put a lot of money on the table to publicise these failed efforts and really believed they were going to create an F1 team (but were probably a good few hundred million away from having enough cash)

[Nononsensecapeesh]

I'm not the one who makes up these stories.

I realize that. At the same time, it's the repetition of outlandish claims that makes them "real" in a way that distorts reality. The internet has the power to rewrite history by sheer numbers; that's not a good development. Just because every second website claims that you can make easy money with bitcoins, that you can defeat CoViD by gargling bleach or that elections were stolen, doesn't make it real. Use of common sense is indispensable. If something looks crazy and impossible, it probably is. If it sounds too good to be true, then you better believe it is. If it involves secrets and big names, it's most likely invented - big things don't stay secret, or they were never big in the first place. The world wasn't invented yesterday, and clamouring for attention is the oldest game in town.

There are a LOT of people who believe those things too...As per the above, it's not forbidden to speculate here, and I don't think there is any danger in talking about these things. I find it interesting in a way.

I wonder how many of these rich businessmen actually put a lot of money on the table to publicise these failed efforts and really believed they were going to create an F1 team (but were probably a good few hundred million away from having enough cash)

Glad someone understands.

[Nononsensecapeesh]

The Durango-backed Villeneuve Racing in 2011.

[kubakozal]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

[Nononsensecapeesh]

The Ekstrom team in 1986, would have extended Mauro Baldi's F1 career that bit longer, would have used the Motori Moderni turbo.

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

Well a wind tunnel model of what would have been the Prost AP05 surfaced but that was about it.

Asiatech intended to run their own team in 2004 after supplying ex-Peugeot engines to Arrows and Minardi.

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

[PTRACER]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have a keen interest in both History and Motor Racing.

[PTRACER]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have a keen interest in both History and Motor Racing.

Many of us do here so that's good to hear. And when you say your favourite motorsport is BTCC are you referring to the modern-day series or an older iteration (Supertouring perhaps)?

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have a keen interest in both History and Motor Racing.

Many of us do here so that's good to hear. And when you say your favourite motorsport is BTCC are you referring to the modern-day series or an older iteration (Supertouring perhaps)?

Never really thought about a particular era, if I had to name one, probably the Supertouring era.

[PTRACER]

Manufacturer. Do you also include engine-suppliers?

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have a keen interest in both History and Motor Racing.

Many of us do here so that's good to hear. And when you say your favourite motorsport is BTCC are you referring to the modern-day series or an older iteration (Supertouring perhaps)?

Never really thought about a particular era, if I had to name one, probably the Supertouring era.

I see. Unfortunately I haven't watched BTCC for many years, but I was there throughout the Supertouring era, watching on TV and at the track. I miss those days. Is modern BTCC any good?

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Porsche's return in 1991 as engine suplier was a big failure - merging two TAG V6's wouldn't result in twice as good V12...

In the early 90s Reynard attepted to join F1 with his own team. It all ended with wind tunnel model, and tons of data (used later by Benetton, Pacific and Ligier).
In 1997 Lola went further - making it to the track (but that was not enough to make it to the race).
Team Bravo Espania was supposed to make debut in 1993 - team was build on ashes of the infamous Andrea Moda, but death of its owner ruined the plan. (Nick Wirth who designed both Andrea Moda and Team Bravo cars entered them himself as Simtek in 1994)
After Prost bancruptcy most of his assets were bought by mysterious Phoenix team, They tried to attempt second race in 2002 but were denied by FIA. No pictures of the car surfaced so far...

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have a keen interest in both History and Motor Racing.

Many of us do here so that's good to hear. And when you say your favourite motorsport is BTCC are you referring to the modern-day series or an older iteration (Supertouring perhaps)?

Never really thought about a particular era, if I had to name one, probably the Supertouring era.

I see. Unfortunately I haven't watched BTCC for many years, but I was there throughout the Supertouring era, watching on TV and at the track. I miss those days. Is modern BTCC any good?

It's alright. Regularly produces a lot of different winners every year. 2018 had 17 DIFFERENT WINNERS for a start!

[PTRACER]

https://www.the-fastlane.co.uk/forums/v ... php?t=9377

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have a keen interest in both History and Motor Racing.

Many of us do here so that's good to hear. And when you say your favourite motorsport is BTCC are you referring to the modern-day series or an older iteration (Supertouring perhaps)?

Never really thought about a particular era, if I had to name one, probably the Supertouring era.

I see. Unfortunately I haven't watched BTCC for many years, but I was there throughout the Supertouring era, watching on TV and at the track. I miss those days. Is modern BTCC any good?

It's alright. Regular produces a lot of different winners every year. 2018 had 17 DIFFERENT WINNERS for a start!

That's a lot! I'll try to watch some from next season.

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Sorry for a random reply, but it's really refreshing to see someone come along and breathe new life into these old threads Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have a keen interest in both History and Motor Racing.

Many of us do here so that's good to hear. And when you say your favourite motorsport is BTCC are you referring to the modern-day series or an older iteration (Supertouring perhaps)?

Never really thought about a particular era, if I had to name one, probably the Supertouring era.

I see. Unfortunately I haven't watched BTCC for many years, but I was there throughout the Supertouring era, watching on TV and at the track. I miss those days. Is modern BTCC any good?

It's alright. Regular produces a lot of different winners every year. 2018 had 17 DIFFERENT WINNERS for a start!

That's a lot! I'll try to watch some from next season.

The series has switched to Hybrid cars, starting from the season just gone, hopefully it will be even better next year!

[Everso Biggyballies]

To get back on the topic of failed F1 projects, back in the kit car days of F1 we had a few..... the first two that spring to mind are Connew and LEC.

I think I may have mentioned LEC but maybe that was in the Drivers who started their own teams thread.

LEC was basically David. Purley, or David's Father more specifically given he was the one with the chequebook. The car was a Mike Pilbeam designed chassis (Pilbeam had worked for BRM and from the 1970's produced a long succession of stunning Hillclimb cars powered by anything from Hart 2.8 litre stretched F2 engines through to DFV and derivative engines. He also produced a number of Sportscar chassis as well)

But back to the LEC it used the standard F1 kit car set up of DFV engine and Hewland gearbox.

The LEC only really ran for a few races in 1977, but following David Purley's horrendous crash at Silverstone, which brought his F1 career to an abrupt halt and led to the LEC project shelved.... it was originally devised for David but with him out of action.....

As for the Connew, Peter Connew was previously a designer with Surtees who decided to do his own thing and manufacture his own car c 1970. The team was pretty much a one man and a couple of mates type of set up and the car took a while to materialise. Again it was a kit car.... monocoque chassis with DFV and Hewland. The Connew PC1 did eventually materialise in 1972, It did have a unique rear suspension and that IIRC was an ongoing problem. A change of F1 regs forced the team to build a revised tub to conform. It was about as low a budget set up as could be imagined, and when Francois Migault came up with sponsorship money he became the driver. It was entered for the British GP in 1972,
and Francois took part in practice but DNS;d after a rear suspension upright was cracked.

They then had their entry refused in Germany before it actually made its only GP start ever, in Austria. It lasted until lap 25 when a rear suspension failure put it off the road and out of the race. That was its last GP.... although David Purley hired the car to run at the none championship Victory Race at the end of the season. However the car failed to run with an electrical problem sidelining it.

The car was converted to an F5000 car in 1973 but failed to qualify with a novice driver. Tony Trimmer drove it once in F5000 but again it suffered a rear suspension failure.

It then went into storage for over 40 years until it was restored with a view to Historic racing. It appeared at the Race Retro in 2018, and may have been seen at Goodwood one year. (it did as I have a pic of it there



The Connew, now restored and here shown at the 2018 Race Retro Show.