posted by petefenelon
The previous generation of F3000s were compared (last time I saw them racing at Silverstone in '99) to pre-ground effect 70s Cosworth F1s, so I reckon comparison of the current lot with the likes of the FW08, JS21, MP4/1D etc. is probably pretty fair. Except I'd guess that the F3000s are probably a hell of a lot stiffer tubs, run far less suspension travel and ride height and have much better tyres.
in fact a bit faster than that, aerodynamics were pretty much equivalent to F1 @ 87/88, was more limited by the engines compared to the turbos in F1... in its last evolution on Cosworth DFY's, DFV's and AC's they were @ 550bhp, and when the FIA cut the difusers in F1 at Catalunya a F3000 would have been on the 8th row of the grid if in the F1 race.... and of course the Avon tyres used were pretty hard as a spec tyre.
The new series from 96 is pretty well emasculated, running de-rated (@450bhp) Zytecs (nee Judd V8), which is in turn derived from the Honda V8, and were spec cars , with no mods permitted to chassis , compared to previous total liberty within the rules.
First iteration on Lola's classic pigs, unloved by engineers and drivers, with bad handling & bad aero, made worse when front wing found to be illegal at first race of season (Nurburgring 96) , causing entire grid to reset them on starting grid.
Third version (due to expire this year) has improved aero from the 96 version and much better tyres.
The PMC FW08 were lightly modified to cater to narrower side-pods in F3000 regs and wings also trimmed , the team succumbed to usual promised finance not materializing. The first outing at Silverstone on inaugural race an embarassment for the team, as pit equipment not ready, and cars delivered on eve of race, due to late arrival of cheque.... as there were pitstops due to rain lack of working airguns led to uncommonly long halt .
Thruxton the following week similarily not very effective as spec dampers supplied with car found to have droop limiters on dampers to cater to previous ground effect body (the 85s were running with flat bottoms), lack of droop travel made car almost impossible to drive over bumps (compared to Silverstones then billiard smooth track) , causing Tassin and Leoni to have a plethora of spins.
Due to bad performance of cars Tassin dropped out , and Leoni only did Vallelunga , with a near write off after going off . Whole team dissolved after that , with bank reclaiming cars as surety.
The Barron run Tyrrel only ready for Estoril & Vallelunga if I recall, similarly strapped for cash, never sorrted out adequately , despite Moreno doing his usual tight rope act with badly handling cars.
I presume the practice came in good stead for his miraculous qualification at Monaco with the Andrea Moda, probably the second worst team in F1 after Life.
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