To face the 1986 season, the John Player Special Team Lotus, with engineers Gérard Ducarouge and Martin Ogilvie, developed the 1985 97T into what became known as the Lotus 98T. The new Lotus still uses a carbon fiber and Kevlar monocoque chassis based on the 97T, though the reduced 195-liter fuel tank capacity allows for a lower profile design. The suspension geometries remain unchanged, with double wishbones and pull-rod layout both front and rear. The wheelbase is shortened slightly to 2720 mm (10 mm less than before), while the weight remains at the 540 kg regulatory minimum.
 |
| LOTUS 98T, Ayrton Senna Monza, Italian GP 1986 |
The 98T is powered by the Renault EF15 V6 Turbo, updated to the “B” version and supplied exclusively to the team managed by Peter Warr. The new engine introduces pneumatic valve return systems instead of traditional springs, allowing the French turbo to reach about 900 hp in race trim and well over 1200 hp in qualifying. Toward the end of the season, Renault also introduces common-rail injection, an innovation unknown in the 1980s but now widely used in modern road cars.
 |
| LOTUS 98T, Ayrton Senna Jerez, Spanish GP 1986 |
The 98T also features a new six-speed gearbox developed in-house by Lotus based on a Hewland design. However, the transmission proves fragile, and lead driver Ayrton Senna soon reverts to the traditional five-speed unit, leaving second driver Johnny Dumfries to test the new gearbox. Other innovations introduced with the 98T include an optimized fuel consumption management system via computer, a redesigned flat floor with a new diffuser, improved intercoolers for engine cooling, and an adjustable ride height system with two settings. Aerodynamic updates are also evident at the front, where rudimentary bargeboards are added to redirect airflow outward.
 |
| LOTUS 98T, Ayrton Senna Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1986 |
The 98T proves highly competitive from the outset, especially in qualifying, with Senna taking pole position in the first three races of the season. The Brazilian champion also wins the second race of the championship, repeating the feat five races later in Detroit. Over the year, the 98T finishes third in the Constructors’ Championship with 58 points, nearly all scored by Senna, who, with 8 podiums and just as many pole positions, demonstrates his class despite not having the best car. Senna finishes fourth in the Drivers’ Championship with 55 points, while teammate Dumfries collects only 3.
 |
| LOTUS 98T, Johnny Dumfries Hungaroring, Hungarian GP 1986 |
A note about Dumfries: at the end of 1985, after Elio de Angelis leaves the team to join Brabham, Warr pushes to sign Derek Warwick. However, Senna asserts himself, unwilling to have a strong teammate alongside him. The Brazilian instead suggests his compatriot and trusted friend Mauricio Gugelmin, but the British sponsor refuses, preferring a British driver. By hiring the little-known Dumfries, both the sponsor and Senna are satisfied.
Comments
Post a Comment