The extraordinary success of the revolutionary Lotus 79 "wing-car" led engineer Mauro Forghieri to adopt similar technical solutions for Ferrari’s 1979 season car. This resulted in the creation of the Ferrari 312 T4, the fourth evolution of the illustrious 312 T series and the first Ferrari single-seater to utilize a venturi underbody to generate ground effect.
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| FERRARI 312 T4, Gilles Villeneuve Zandvoort, Dutch GP 1979 |
The new car featured sharp and unharmonious lines, making it one of the least aesthetically appealing Ferraris in Formula 1 history. However, it boasted an extremely refined and advanced aerodynamic design. The near-total absence of air intakes on the bodywork suggested the extent of the efforts dedicated to optimizing internal airflow within the sidepods, as well as the aerodynamics between the chassis and the ground.
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| FERRARI 312 T4, Jody Scheckter Monza, Italian GP 1979 |
The Ferrari Tipo 15 flat-12 engine was powerful and reliable, with a very low center of gravity due to its boxer configuration and transverse gearbox. However, unlike Ford-Cosworth-powered cars, it did not allow for traditional rear diffuser tunnels. To compensate, Forghieri extended the sidepods as far forward as possible, almost reaching the front wing, optimizing aerodynamics through wind tunnel testing at Pininfarina. Despite its aerodynamic limitations compared to the best rival wing-cars, the 312 T4 proved highly competitive, thanks in part to its innovative in-board suspension system, also designed by Forghieri. These advanced suspensions allowed Michelin’s radial tires to perform optimally. The front spring-damper assembly was placed vertically inside the chassis, while the rear suspension was housed within the gearbox casing.
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| FERRARI 312 T4, Gilles Villeneuve Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1979 |
For the 1979 season, Ferrari retained Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve and replaced Carlos Reutemann with South African Jody Scheckter, who had enjoyed a strong 1978 season with Wolf. After competing in the first two races with the 312 T3, Ferrari introduced the new 312 T4 at the third round. It immediately secured two one-two finishes, at Kyalami and Long Beach, with Villeneuve leading Scheckter. Despite the limitations of its boxer engine affecting the rear diffuser, the T4 remained extraordinarily competitive. Over the course of the season, Scheckter’s greater consistency in results enabled him to win the Drivers' Championship with 53 points, ahead of teammate Villeneuve, who finished with 47.
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| Gilles Villeneuve e René Arnoux Dijon-Prenois, French GP 1979 |
Ferrari also won its sixth Constructors' Championship, amassing 113 points. The 312 T4 secured six victories and seven second-place finishes in 13 races, making it one of the most successful Ferrari single-seaters ever. With this car, Villeneuve was involved in the legendary duel with Renault’s René Arnoux at Dijon-Prenois and famously completed a lap on three wheels at Zandvoort.
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