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RAM March 01 Cosworth

RAM March 01 image

Active: 1983
Team: RAM Racing

Drivers: Eliseo Salazar, Jean-Louis Schlesser, Jacques Villeneuve Sr., Kenny Acheson

The RAM March 01 was an entirely new chassis after the rules banned ground effects from 1983 on. Known as a RAM chassis, it still carried the name of March, designer of the team's previous chassis. Due to the team's limited budget however, the team continued to use an aluminium monocoque, contrary to the top teams' carbon fibre chassis.

As could be expected, the car was not a high performer, mostly due to the unsuitable Pirelli tyres and engine build issues. Only Elio Salazar, in the first Grand Prix and Kenny Acheson, in the last race of the year managed to qualify and start a Grand Prix. On both occasions however, the car reached the end without problems, in 15th and 12th positions respectively.

Specifications

Chassis: Strengthened aluminium honeycomb monocoque with glass fibre body panels
Gearbox: Hewland manual 5 speed FG400 transaxle

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Front track: 1800 mm
Rear track: 1670 mm
Weight: 540 kg

Engine

Designation: 3 litre long stroke Cosworth DFY
Configuration: 90° V8
Fuel feed: Lucas Fuel Injection
Valvetrain: 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Power: 530 bhp @ 11,500 rpm