March 731

March 731 ^[1]

Category	Formula One
Constructor	March Engineering
Designer(s)	Robin Herd
Predecessor	March 721
Successor	March 741
Technical specifications
Chassis	Aluminium monocoque
Axle track	1,448 mm (57.0 in) (Front) 1,448 mm (57.0 in) (Rear)
Wheelbase	2,438 mm (96.0 in)
Engine	Ford-Cosworth DFV 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in) 90° V8 naturally aspirated mid-mounted
Transmission	1976: Hewland DG 400 6-speed manual. 1977: Hewland FGA 400 6-speed manual.
Weight	1,270 lb (580 kg)
Tyres	Goodyear Firestone
Competition history
Notable entrants	March Engineering
Debut	1973 Spanish Grand Prix [2]
Races Wins Podiums Poles F/Laps 15 0 2 0 2
Constructors' Championships	0
Drivers' Championships	0
n.b. Unless otherwise stated, all data refer to Formula One World Championship Grands Prix only.

The March 731 was a Formula One racing car designed by Robin Herd of March Engineering for the 1973 season which saw continued use through 1974. While unsuccessful in the hands of the works team, private entrant Hesketh Racing had some success with James Hunt driving.

March 731 front-view

Design history

March had expended much time and effort in developing the previous season's 721 model, and so for 1973 they modified the existing 721G models, moving the radiator to the front and revising the bodywork. ^[3]

Racing history

The works' 731 was primarily raced by Jean-Pierre Jarier without much success, and various private teams fared little better, with the notable exception of Hesketh Racing. Their car, driven by James Hunt in his first season in F1, had various modifications carried out by designer Harvey Postlethwaite, who had been recruited from March by Hesketh. Hunt finished third in the Dutch Grand Prix and second in the United States Grand Prix, and with two other finishes in the points ended up in eighth place in the World Championship. Hunt's success contributed entirely to March's fifth place in the 1973 Constructors' Championship. ^[4]

Roger Williamson, driving for the works team, was killed when his 731 overturned and caught fire at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Complete Formula One results

(key)

Year	Entrant	Engine	Tyres	Drivers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	Points	WCC
1973	March Racing Team	Cosworth DFV	G		ARG	BRA	RSA	ESP	BEL	MON	SWE	FRA	GBR	NED	GER	AUT	ITA	CAN	USA	14	5th
				Henri Pescarolo				8
				Jean-Pierre Jarier					Ret	Ret	Ret	Ret				Ret		NC	11
				Roger Williamson									Ret	Ret
	Clarke-Mordaunt-Guthrie-Durlacher			Mike Beuttler				7	11	Ret	8		11	Ret	16	Ret	Ret	Ret	10
	Team Pierre Robert			Reine Wisell							DNS	Ret
	LEC Refrigeration Racing			David Purley						Ret			DNS	Ret	15		9
	Hesketh Racing			James Hunt						9		6	4	3		Ret	DNS	7	2
1974	Hesketh Racing	Cosworth DFV	G		ARG	BRA	RSA	ESP	BEL	MON	SWE	NED	FRA	GBR	GER	AUT	ITA	CAN	USA	6*	9th
				James Hunt	Ret	9
	Dempster International Racing Team			Mike Wilds										DNQ

* All points scored by other March chassis

References

1. "1973 March 731 Cosworth Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com.
2. "March 731 • STATS F1". www.statsf1.com.
3. "March 731 Cosworth".
4. "1973 World Championship Results".