Why the turbine Lotus experiment failed to realise its potential in F1
Emerson Fittipaldi hated it in period – but, as DAMIEN SMITH reveals, now thinks Hethel’s daring turbine-powered, IndyCar-derived experiment, the Lotus 56B, could have been a grand prix winner. Here's why that potential never came close to being realised in grand prix racing
All in all, 1971 was a strange year for Team Lotus. It should have been all champagne and silverware given its potent cocktail: the great Lotus 72, not only arguably Colin Chapman’s greatest Formula 1 car but a contender for the best from anyone, ever; young, ambitious Emerson Fittipaldi, already a winner following his astounding maiden-season breakthrough at just the fourth time of asking at Watkins Glen, 1970; financial security through its continuing (gaudy) support from Gold Leaf tobacco.
Yet instead, the result was the first winless season for Lotus since 1959. So was this car, the whooshing turbine-powered Lotus 56B, to blame for the alarming and unexpected drought? No, that’s too trite.
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