In 1985, after completing his first Formula 1 season with Toleman, Ayrton Senna decided to switch teams in the hope of finding a car that would bring him closer to the championship title. As a result, he joined the legendary Team Lotus, where his idol, Jim Clark, had previously raced. The new car was named the Lotus 97T.
The season proved to be particularly challenging in terms of fuel economy due to restrictions on fuel tank capacity and the ban on refueling introduced in 1984. In response, Lotus introduced the 97T. Once again, the car was designed by Gérard Ducarouge, who had previously created the 95T. In addition to changes in the aerodynamic elements around the radiator (designed to improve the cooling of the turbocharged engine), Gérard used a deflector extending beyond the front wheels to reduce frontal air resistance. The introduction of such a design marked the beginning of a period of new aerodynamic achievements in The Royal Races.
The car was equipped with a turbocharged V-6 Renault engine, which had been used for the third consecutive year. Considering that the new power unit model, EF15, was designed with the fuel economy rules in mind, the previous year's model was often used in qualifying sessions. The car was designed in a charcoal black with gold lettering that gave it a striking appearance.
Senna was initially welcomed to the team as the second driver, but almost immediately after the start of the season proved that he was faster than his teammate, Elio de Angelis. Already in the second race (the Portuguese Grand Prix), he demonstrated his top-class skills, winning the qualification and taking the first place in the overall standings in heavy rain, with a huge lead. The Ferrari driver who finished second was more than a minute behind, and the other participants were several laps behind. Senna himself believed that his victory was owed to the rich experience of racing in wet weather that he had gained in karting.
Another victory was achieved by Senna in the 13th stage in Belgium, starting from pole position for the seventh time. The Lotus team deservedly took fourth place in the Constructors' Championship at the end of the season, and since then, the 97T has forever become part of history as the car on which the great Brazilian won his first Formula 1 race.
LOTUS 97T 1985 SPECIFICATIONS
- Engine Displacement: 1,492 cc
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
- Layout: Mid-engine (MR)
- Forced Induction: Turbocharged (TB)
