The Ferrari 126 C4 was the final evolution of the 126 series, redesigned by Harvey Postlethwaite and Mauro Forghieri. The chassis was a carbon monocoque carrying the Ferrari Tipo 31 1496cc V6 turbo engine, paired with a transverse gearbox built in-house along with the differential.
 |
| FERRARI 126C4, Michele Alboreto Dallas, United States GP 1984 |
With a 2600 mm wheelbase and 540 kg weight, the C4 used Goodyear tires and was a direct evolution of the 126 C3, improved in aerodynamics, weight distribution, and mechanics. The result was a compact car, despite a larger fuel tank (due to the ban on in-race refueling), with a forward-placed cockpit and shorter, lower sidepods. The upper bodywork was very short, leaving much of the engine exposed to aid turbo cooling, and featured NACA ducts for engine air intake.
 |
| FERRARI 126C4, Michele Alboreto Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1984 |
In 1984, the car was driven by returning Frenchman René Arnoux and newcomer Michele Alboreto, the first Italian Ferrari driver in eleven years. Despite high expectations, the 126 C4 lacked downforce and had to rely on large wings, which reduced top speed. The turbocharged V6 also consumed too much fuel, often forcing drivers to ease off late in races. While Ferrari’s turbo power matched rivals, reliability, especially the KKK turbos, was poor, leading to 12 retirements. The only win and pole came at Zolder, Belgium, courtesy of Alboreto. Arnoux set the fastest lap and finished third. Outside of that, Ferrari mostly battled for 4th to 6th places.
 |
| FERRARI 126C4, René Arnoux Zolder, Belgian GP 1984 |
Minor upgrades came at the British Grand Prix with the 126 C4M, featuring longer, tapered sidepods in the “coke-bottle” style. From Monza onwards, a new Weber-Marelli digital injection system improved power delivery and reduced fuel use. Alboreto managed two second-place finishes and a third in the final three races, but the overall season remained disappointing. Still, Ferrari finished second in the Constructors' Championship, far behind leaders McLaren.
 |
| FERRARI 126C4M, Michele Alboreto Nürburgring, European GP 1984 |
Tensions rose over Goodyear’s underperforming tires and perceived favoritism toward Alboreto. Italian press criticism demoralized Arnoux, affecting his performance. The drivers finished fourth (Alboreto, 30.5 points) and sixth (Arnoux, 27 points). At season’s end, Mauro Forghieri was reassigned, ending a two-decade era in which he had created some of Ferrari’s most successful cars.
Comments
Post a Comment