Description
Author: Andrew Van De Burgt, ISBN: 9780857338204, Hardcover, 156 pages, Published in 2015
An insight into the design, engineering, maintenance and operation of Brabham's BMW-turbo-powered F1 car.
The Brabham BT52 was designed by F1 design genius Gordon Murray, with David North, for the 1983 F1 season, and took driver Nelson Rquet to his second World Championship title.
The car was a radical rethink that built upon knowledge gained during the ground-effect era, and the growing potency of BMW's 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo engine. The distinctive 'dart-shaped BT52 featured two ground-breaking concepts - mid-race refueling, and significantly rear-biased weight distribution for improved traction in the era of ever-increasing turbo power outputs.
The BMW engine delivered over 1,000bhp for short periods in qualifOg trim, with the aid of exotic fuels to boost power, and around 750bhp in race trim, making for an impressive sight and sound during one of F1's most spectacular eras.
With the aid of numerous period images, as well as photographs of the car recently restored to running condition by BMW, this manual tells the story of the story of the design, development and race history of the BT52, with input from many of the people who designed,
prepared and raced the car, including designers Gordon Murray and David North, drivers Nelson Piquet and Riccardo Patrese, and BMW engine designer Paul Rosche.
A fascinating insight into one of the most spectacular and distinctive cars ever to grace the Fl grid, and a glimpse into an era when the rule book allowed for free-thinking and groundbreaking innovation.
- The Brabham story From the Jack Brabham years, through Bernie Ecelstone's ownership and beyond.
- Design and development of the BT52 How the car was designed following major rule changes at the end of 1982.
- The BT52 in action .1, race-by race account of the BT52's performance in the 1983 World Championship.
- The anatomy of the BT52 Details of the car's components and systems and how they were developed.
- The driver's view Nelson Piquet and Riccardo Patrese give their views on the car, plus details of all other drivers to have driven a BT52, including Sir Stirling Moss and Ayrton Senna.
- The team's view Views from Brabham team members, including Gordon Murray, Herbie Blash and Charlie Whiting.
- The BT52 today A look at the processes involved in the restoration and running of a BT52 today
- Appendices Specifications, race history and 1983 rivals.
