The Ferrari 640, also known as the F1-89, was Ferrari's Formula 1 car for 1989 and the first designed for the team by John Barnard. Because turbo engines were banned, Ferrari turned to a 3.5-liter V12 with five valves per cylinder. The car featured a pointed nose, a slender monocoque, and bulging sidepods housing the radiators; from the fourth race in Mexico onward, a large airbox was positioned above and behind the driver. Nigel Mansell, in his first season with Ferrari, and Gerhard Berger won a combined three races with it. The car was based on the 639 test car, which had been evaluated in 1988.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreThe revolutionary gearbox · The V12 · Delayed debut
The revolutionary gearbox
The electro-hydraulically operated semi-automatic transmission cut shifting times, simplified packaging, and offered aerodynamic benefits by requiring less space than a conventional mechanical linkage. According to the German source, it had seven gears. A clutch pedal remained, but was only used when pulling away in first gear. During the first half of the season, the experimental system proved highly unreliable and hampered Ferrari; transmissions of this type later became the standard.
The V12
Toward the end of the season, the 3.5-liter Tipo 035/5 produced up to 660 bhp, roughly matching the previous Tipo 033A turbo V6, but without its fuel consumption issues. The Honda V10 in the dominant McLarens produced slightly more at 675 bhp. Because the semi-automatic gearbox in the 639 complicated engine testing, the new power unit was trialed in a modified F1/87/88C.
Delayed debut
Barnard had begun designing the car back in 1987 with the goal of racing it the following season. Persistent gearbox troubles forced Ferrari to race the turbocharged F1/87/88C in 1988; the debut was delayed until 1989, the first year of the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated formula. Originally, the 640 featured two small air intakes flanking the driver. Early and late versions officially carried the name F1-89, while the 639 prototype was given none.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 640
When was the Ferrari 640 raced?
The Ferrari 640 was raced in 1989.
How much power does the Ferrari 640 have?
Power of the Ferrari 640: 660 hp at 13'000 /min.
What engine does the Ferrari 640 have?
Engine of the Ferrari 640: 3498 cm³ 65° V12 NA Ferrari Tipo 035/5. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
Who engineered the Ferrari 640?
Engineering of the Ferrari 640: John Barnard (Technical Director); Pierguido Castelli (Technical Coordination Director); Enrique Scalabroni (Chief Designer); Henri Durand ….
Who drove the Ferrari 640?
Drivers of the Ferrari 640: Nigel Mansell, Gerhard Berger.
How many races did the Ferrari 640 win?
The Ferrari 640 took 3 wins in 16 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 640?
Predecessor: F1/87/88C. Successor: 641.
