Tyrrell 012 ''The Boomerang''

Tyrrell was always known as the team which was thinking outside the box. FIA didn't really liked that and Ken Tyrell and his team always suffered indirect attacks. But this article isn't about that. It's about of Tyrrell's cars - the Tyrrell - Ford 012, the ''Boomerang'' version to be more precise.

This variant was seen only on two occasions: one in a private tire test in Brand Hatch, and other at the glorious Ostereichring.

This rear wing design was born out of the need to beat more powerful turbo engine F1 monsters, as the Tyrrell challenger was still sporting the naturally aspirated Ford engine. FIA didn't allow cars to have wider rear wings, so Maurice Philipe, a F1 car designer for Tyrrell team at the time, found out the way to increase surface area for the wing. It was shaped like a triangle, resembling a boomerang and, theoretically, it should have increased the downforce by quite a margin and in that way, keep up or even beat the turbo powered cars in the corners.

Tyrrell needed to test their concept and they attempted to do it in the practise sessions during Austrian Grand Prix, back in 1983. There was a perfect man for the job, a man who knew how to get past turbo cars while driving a NA engine racer. Michele Alboreto, who already secured two of his five F1 wins, put on his helmet and went out to the track at a safe and not time-record-beating pace. Unfortunately, the Tyrrell challenger suffered a water leak and Michele was forced to head back into the pits. As his feedback suggested, the boomerang shaped rear wing wasn't much of an addition to the fight with the mighty turbos.

For the following practise session, Michele hopped in a regular 012 and went out for a regular practise session. He qualified in 18th place and retired in the race.

Even though the Benetton sponsorship meant bigger budget for the car development, the team remained a mid-field team and finished 7th in the 1983 Formula One season.

Tyrrell was always the team ready to go out of the comfort zone to try and beat the competition, but this particular variant of the car has to be a jewel on the top of the crown. Never settle for something that already is here, instead go out and create things that will amaze the world, even if it won't be really effective.

What do you think of this car? Is it a proper Tyrrell or is it just a desperate attempt of maximising existing budget into something really naive? Let us know in the comments.

#History #F1 #Tyrrell