Turquoise for Wendlinger

The promising Austrian Karl Wendlinger made his Formula One debut in the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. With the help of some personal sponsors he obtains a seat with the beleaguered Leyton House team, but is forced to retire at turn one, due to a collision.

In 1992, Wendlinger was kept at the renamed March team, alongside French driver Paul Belmondo. The team were still struggling financially due to the collapse of the Leyton House organisation, the only modification to the 1991 car being a reworked cockpit to accommodate Wendlinger’s tall stature.

Picture above: Karl Wendlinger – March CG911 Illmor 3.5 V10, 1992 San Marino Grand Prix, Imola. Finished in 12th position.

Performances were encouraging, the turquoise car being a sound and efficient concept, including starting 7th at the opening 1992 round in South-Africa, but results were limited by the team’s financial restraints.

Nevertheless, the Austrian was able to demonstrate his talent at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montréal, where a race of attrition allowed him to bring the car home in fourth position, a huge result, considering the financial trouble his team were in. These three points allowed Wendlinger to finish 12th in the 1992 Drivers’ Championship.