In 1982, the Gulf Italia Enzo Coloni Motorsport team took part in the Italian Formula 3 championship, initially using a Ralt RT3 powered by an Alfa Romeo engine, and later switching to a March 813 with the same engine. That season, Enzo Coloni not only managed the team but also raced the cars himself, ultimately winning the championship. After achieving this goal, Coloni chose to hang up his helmet and focus his efforts on his role as team manager and talent scout. In fact, following the 1982 title, Coloni’s talent led him to secure the Italian title again in 1983 with Ivan Capelli, and then once more in 1984 with Alessandro Santin. That same year, with Capelli, the Coloni team also won the European Formula 3 Championship.
 |
| COLONI FC187, Nicola Larini Jerez, Spanish GP 1987 |
In 1986, the Coloni team once again dominated the Italian championship with Nicola Larini winning the title and Marco Apicella finishing as runner-up. That year, they also competed in the Formula 3000 championship with Gabriele Tarquini driving a March 85B. Thanks to these successes and the experience gained, Enzo Coloni laid the groundwork for a sensational Formula 1 debut in 1987, aided by a change in regulations that favored the return of naturally aspirated engines, much cheaper and easier to manage than turbocharged ones, encouraging lower-tier teams to attempt the leap into the top category.
 |
| COLONI FC187, Nicola Larini Monza, Italian GP 1987 |
Thus, the Enzo Coloni Racing Cars System team was born, based in Passignano sul Trasimeno in the province of Perugia, Italy. Its logo featured a stylized image of a wolf, a nod to Coloni’s nickname during his racing career. Coloni entrusted engineer Roberto Ori, formerly of Dallara, with the design of the new Coloni FC187. However, the new single-seater appeared rather minimalistic, more akin to a Formula 3 car than a Formula 1 machine, despite featuring a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and the 3.5-liter Ford-Cosworth DFZ V8 engine prepared by Italian tuner Novamotor.
 |
| COLONI FC187, Nicola Larini Monza, Italian GP 1987 |
The FC187, entirely painted yellow, was assembled just in time for its debut at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. However, the tight schedule meant the car hit the track without a proper test, only a basic shake-down performed by Enzo Coloni himself to ensure it functioned. With Nicola Larini behind the wheel, the car made its debut during Friday’s free practice at Monza, but early laps were plagued by teething problems, and it quickly became clear that things were not going to go smoothly.
 |
| COLONI FC187, Nicola Larini Monza, Italian GP 1987 |
Indeed, the FC187 failed to qualify, clocking a lap time 12.6 seconds slower than the pole position. Nevertheless, the small Italian team left the circuit proud to have at least beaten Fabre's AGS. After skipping the next race in Portugal, Larini managed to qualify in Spain, outpacing both Osella cars during qualifying. Unfortunately, the race lasted only seven laps before Larini was forced to retire due to transmission failure. After that event, the team decided to withdraw from the remainder of the 1987 season to focus its efforts on the following year.
Comments
Post a Comment