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Presents another car tested by Ayrton Senna da Silva, this time the Williams-Cosworth FW08C. Senna's first test in a Formula One car, actually is first taste of the F1 World.
A test where he left an impressive impress that leads to his contract with F1 Team Toleman in 1984.
Senna's took his first test in a Formula One car at Donington Park on Tuesday testing before the British GP (11 July 1983) in the Williams-Cosworth FW08C.
If, if … sometimes history takes a left turn when it could have easily gone the other way instead. In 1983 Williams Grand Prix Engineering tested the young Brazilian "rising star" that was fighting over the British F3 championship with another "rising star", Martin Brundle.
In Keke Rosberg's title-defending year the team found its Cosworth-engined FW08C generally outclassed, the turbo teams taking a decisive step ahead of the remaining atmospheric teams. At street circuits like Monaco and Detroit the nimble 3-litre cars with their immediate throttle response still held an edge, Williams even winning the race in the Principality through a storming drive by the World Champion, while Michele Alboreto sealed the Cosworth's final win at Detroit, ahead of Rosberg.
But there was no escape for teams delaying their switch to the turbo route. While Rosberg and team mate Jacques Laffite were regular point scorers in the first part of the season, Laffite's sixth place at Hockenheim would be the last point the team scored until the season-closer at Kyalami, which saw the debut of its FW09 Honda turbo car.
Meanwhile, Laffite's much vaunted comeback to the Williams team had been a disappointment. He stuck in some solid performances in his first races but his qualifying left much to be desired. The two late-season DNQs at Monza and Brands Hatch were very embarrassing. In fact, Frank Williams was considering alternative drivers before eventually re-signing Jacques for the 1984 season.
One of them was 1983 test driver Jonathan Palmer, who qualified for the Brands race in a third car where Laffite's failed to do so. Another option was British F3 championship leader Ayrton Senna da Silva from Brazil. A promising test left Frank Williams seriously impressed. But Frank knew he wouldn't be the only one vying for the Brazilian's services. And after a moment's hesitation Toleman scooped young Ayrton for 1984.
Ten years later Senna finally become a Williams driver - as it turned out for three races only.
What would the parallel universe have looked like when Williams had managed to persuade Ayrton into signing for him in 1983?
Keke Rosberg retiring early?
Nigel Mansell disappearing into obscurity after 1984?
Elio de Angelis staying on at Lotus for 1986?
A straight Prost/Senna title fight as early as 1986?
Piquet missing out on his third title?
Better career opportunities for Derek Warwick?
Or Martin Brundle?
We'll never know…
Technical specifications
Chassis: Aluminium honeycomb monocoque
Suspension (front): Double wishbones, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear): Double wishbones, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar
Engine: Cosworth DFY, 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in), 90° V8, NA, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
Transmission: Hewland FGA 400 5-speed manual
Fuel: Mobil
Tyres: Goodyear
THE OTHER SENNA CARS ARE HERE:
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