Forghieri experiments

Mario Andretti (Ferrari 312B2) leads his teammate Jacky Ickx, François Cevert (Tyrrell 003), and Clay Regazzoni (Ferrari 312 B2) during the 1972 Spanish Grand Prix, held at the Jarama circuit. Note the modified, rounded nose, which, as seen in the photo above, gives the three 312 B2s such a striking appearance.

For the 1972 season, Ferrari entered a B2 equipped with a more conventional rear suspension, but it couldn’t compete with the highly innovative Lotus 72. Nevertheless, Jacky Ickx won the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, but this would be his last Grand Prix victory.

During the season, Mauro Forghieri experimented, as seen here at Jarama and also at Kyalami (picture below), with a new, elegant, and highly enveloping front bodywork, reminiscent of that seen on Stewart and Cevert’s Tyrrell 003. Unfortunately, this version of the B2 would not be a success, and the Scuderia finished fourth in the constructors’ championship.