(ENG) In 1985 Lotus had returned to their winning ways for the first time since the sudden death of company founder Colin Chapman in 1982. The 98T fielded 1986 was not an evolution of the previous season's machine but featured a brand new tub.
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| Estoril - Portugal 1985 |
The reason for Gerard Ducarouge to draw up a new chassis was a change in the fuel-cell limitations. The maximum size had been slightly cut in order to slow gas-guzzling turbos down a little. The French designer used this to create a more compact monocoque. For the first time a one-piece moulded composite structure was used. The front double wishbone suspension was carried over from the previous cars with a heavily revised geometry. At the rear an adjustable ride-height system was used for most of the races. Another novelty was the implementation of a six-speed gearbox The aerodynamic package also received some tweaks but it takes a keen eye to distinguish the 98T from its immediate predecessor.
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| Ayrton Senna - Bernie Ecclestone - 1986 |
Senna was the undisputed number 1 driver in the team, while the young and unexperienced Dumfries struggled to get to grips with the menacing turbocharged F1 cars. The Brazilian immediately showcased the raw speed of the new 98T at his season opening home race. He qualified the car on pole but then had to feather the throttle in the race to make it home in second. The Renault engine was clearly not as frugal as the Hondas and TAG-Porsches used by the competition. In the remaining fourteen races that season, Senna would qualify the Renault engined Lotus 98T on pole six more times.
