Arrows A2

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Arrows A2
The A2 of Jochen Mass on display at the Nürburgring Motorsport Museum
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorArrows
Designer(s)Tony Southgate (Technical Director)
Dave Wass (Chief Designer)
PredecessorA1B
SuccessorA3
Technical specifications[1][2]
ChassisRiveted aluminium monocoque
Suspension (front)Rocker arms, lower wishbones, inboard coil springs
Suspension (rear)parallel bars, coil springs
Axle trackFront: 1,153 mm (45.4 in)
Rear: 1,549 mm (61.0 in)
Wheelbase2,718 mm (107.0 in)
EngineCosworth DFV, 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in), 90° V8, NA, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionHewland FGA 400 5-speed manual
Weight591 kg (1,303 lb)
FuelFINA
TyresGoodyear
Competition history
Notable entrantsWarsteiner Arrows Racing Team
Notable drivers29. Italy Riccardo Patrese
30. West Germany Jochen Mass
Debut1979 French Grand Prix
Last event1979 United States Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
8000
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

The Arrows A2 was a Formula One racing car, designed by Tony Southgate and Dave Wass, was used by the Arrows team in the latter half of the 1979 Formula One season. Powered by a Cosworth DFV V8 engine and driven by Riccardo Patrese and Jochen Mass, it was relatively unsuccessful with its best finish being sixth on two occasions.

Design and development

For the 1979 season, Tony Southgate supervised the design and development of the Arrows A2. Unlike most contemporary cars, the engine, a Cosworth DFV V8 engine, and gearbox of the A2 were set at a four-degree angled incline. This enabled the use of aerodynamic underfloor sections across the full width of the chassis. This had the effect of raising the car's centre of gravity.[3] The A2 generated extensive downforce, but at the expense of handling. Within weeks design work started on the A2's successor, the A3, and the previous year's car, the A1, was brought back for one final entry in the 1979 season.[4]

Race history

The A2 made its debut at the 1979 French Grand Prix but finished well down the field. Mass managed a pair of sixth places, at the German and Dutch Grands Prix.


Complete Formula One World Championship results

(key)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Points WCC
1979 Warsteiner Arrows Ford Cosworth DFV G ARG BRA RSA USW ESP BEL MON FRA GBR GER AUT NED ITA CAN USA 51 9th
Riccardo Patrese 14 Ret Ret Ret Ret 13 Ret
Jochen Mass 15 Ret 6 Ret 6 Ret DNQ DNQ

^1 3 points scored using the A1B.

Notes

References

  • Hodges, David (1990). A-Z of Formula Racing Cars. Bideford, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1870979168.
  • Nye, Doug (1985). Autocourse History of the Grand Prix Car 1966 – 1985. Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom: Hazelton Publishing. ISBN 0905138376.