Page 1 of 1 Although a victory eluded Team Lotus in 1984, the British team had its most competitive season since 1978. Drivers Nigel Mansell and Elio de Angelis shared the Renault-powered and Gérard Ducourage penned Type 95T. It was a competitive car that could have done better than a pair of third-place finishes were it not for poor reliability and some costly mistakes by the drivers.
For 1985, the first complete Lotus designed by the former Matra chief-engineer evolved into the 97T. Built around a carbon-fibre composite monocoque, it once again featured pull-rod actuated in-board suspension and carbon ceramic discs on all four corners. The aerodynamics were also improved and Team Lotus now had access to a works specification of the Renault engine. Dubbed the EF15, it was more powerful but not necessarily more reliable.
After five seasons with Team Lotus, Nigell Mansell left at the end of 1984 to continue his career with Williams. His replacement was the highly sought after Brazilian talent Ayrton, who had impressed during the previous season. In a relatively modest Toleman, he had challenged for victory in the Monaco Grand Prix, prompting several big teams to try and secure his services. Senna joined Mansell's long-term team-mate de Angelis, who had also joined the team back in 1981.
The 97T proved an instant improvement although the Renault twin-turbo was still both an asset and a liability. At the season opening Brazilian Grand Prix de Angelis finished a promising third but Senna was forced to retire with electrical issues. At the subsequent Portuguese Grand Prix, Senna qualified his 97T on pole position. In dreadful conditions, the Brazilian showcased his brilliance and went on to score his maiden victory. It was also the first win for Team Lotus since Colin Chapman's passing in 1982.
There would be seven further pole positions between the two drivers but de Angelis and Senna would only score one more victory each during the 1985 season. The pairing would end the year fifth and fourth in the standings respectively and ahead of Nigel Mansell who was sixth in the Drivers' Championship. Team Lotus moved up the order to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, which was the best result since 1978.
A brand new car was readied for the 1986 season and in particularly lead-driver Ayrton Senna continued to demonstrate his talent in the 98T Renault. With three wins, the 97T was a successful design but it will mostly be forever be remembered as the car that took Ayrton Senna to his first Grand Prix victory. Page 1 of 1
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Although a victory eluded Team Lotus in 1984, the British team had its most competitive season since 1978. Drivers Nigel Mansell and Elio de Angelis shared the Renault-powered and Gérard Ducourage penned Type 95T. It was a competitive car that could have done better than a pair of third-place finishes were it not for poor reliability and some costly mistakes by the drivers.