 | |
| Category | Formula 3 |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Ralt |
| Designer(s) | Ron Tauranac |
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Aluminum monocoque with rear sub-frame |
| Engine | Mid-engine, longitudinally mounted, Alfa Romeo/Toyota/Volkswagen, 2.0–2.4 L (122.0–146.5 cu in), I4, NA |
| Transmission | Hewland 5-speed manual |
| Power | ~ 165 hp (123 kW) |
| Weight | 455 kg (1,003 lb) |
| Tyres | Michelin |
| Competition history | |
| Debut | 1979 |
The Ralt RT3 is an open-wheel Formula 3 race car, developed and built by Ralt in 1979. [1]
The car, designed by Ron Tauranac, was equipped with a particularly elaborate ground effect system and implemented an aluminum monocoque frame with a honeycomb structure to contain the weight. The suspension was mounted a lot inside the chassis, so much so that it allowed a more aerodynamic development of the bodywork in such a way that it allowed an improvement in the ground effect. A five-speed Hewland gearbox operated various four-cylinder engines of Alfa Romeo, Toyota, and Volkswagen origin. [2] [3]
The RT3, an evolution of the previous RT1, was entered in the Formula 3 championships during the 1979 season, lagging behind the other cars lined up by the various teams. For this reason, only four examples were built. The excessive heaviness precluded a good performance for the rest of the season. Despite this, the entire structure was refurbished and between 1980 and 1984 the car achieved numerous successes such as the British Formula 3 championship won by Ayrton Senna and the European championship won by Pierluigi Martini. A change in legislation in 1985 made it obsolete and led to its replacement. [4]
Formula Three, also called Formula 3, abbreviated as F3, is a third-tier class of open-wheel formula racing. The various championships held in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia form an important step for many prospective Formula One drivers.
Kenneth Henry Acheson is a British former racing driver from Northern Ireland who competed for RAM Racing in the 1983 and 1985 Formula One seasons. He completed only one of his three race starts, finishing in 12th position in the 1983 South African Grand Prix. In 1985, he was a substitute for Manfred Winkelhock, who was killed in a sportscar race during the season.
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Ralt was a manufacturer of single-seater racing cars, founded by ex-Jack Brabham associate Ron Tauranac after he sold out his interest in Brabham to Bernie Ecclestone. Ron and his brother had built some specials in Australia in the 1950s under the Ralt name. Tauranac won the 1954 NSW Hillclimb Championship in the Ralt 500.
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