 | |
| Category | Formula 3 |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Ralt |
| Designer | 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]
