Benetton joins Tyrrell

The Tyrrell 011 was a Formula One car designed by engineer Maurice Philippe for the Tyrrell Racing Organisation in 1981. It was powered by the 3.0l Cosworth DFV engine. A sound concept, the 011 raced from 1981 to 1983, although its only full season was 1982.

Picture above: Italian Michele Alboreto, and behind him, the other Tyrrell 011-Cosworth of American Danny Sullivan, at the 1983 US Grand Prix West, held at Long Beach, California.

Tyrrell were able to win 2 races with 011, both credit to Alboreto. The first win at the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix in Las Vegas, was also Alboreto’s first, and the last 011 victory was the 1983 Detroit Grand Prix. This race was also the last of 155 Grand Prix wins for the Cosworth DFV engine, which had made its debut 16 years earlier with Lotus, in 1967.

Sponsored by Italian fashion brand Benetton, the 1983 cars were very distinctive in their green livery. Both cars scored points once only: Victory for Alboreto in Detroit, while the best result for Sullivan was a fifth place at the Monaco Grand Prix (picture below).