Page 1 of 1 The British Arrows Racing Team started the 1982 Formula 1 season with the new A4. Designed by David Wass, it was the first Arrows to use a honeycomb aluminium monocoque. Undoubtedly a step forward, it was no match for the cars produced by the top teams, particularly those powered by turbocharged engines. So before the the season was done, the team already started developing a replacement, which was hoped to use a turbo engine from 1982 onwards.
As Arrows name logic dictated, it was dubbed the A5 and was closely modelled after the Williams FW08. That was one of the few naturally aspirated engined cars that was actually competitive in 1982. Among the mechanical differences compared to the A4 was the front suspension, which now featured pull-rod actuated springs and dampers. While carrying the same orange and white livery of its predecessor, it looked distinctly different with a broader nose and a more compact design overall.
Once again powered by the venerable Cosworth DFV engine, the A5 debuted at the end of August in the Swiss Grand Prix at Dijon with Marc Surer behind the wheel. He finished a delayed 15th after one of the ground-effect skirts required repairing. Mauro Baldi then finished 12th and last in the Italian Grand Prix, while Surer scored the car's best result at Caesar's Palace, crossing the line in seventh. For 1983, the unique A5 was rebuilt into the first of the flat-bottom A6s but as no turbo engine was available, it did not get any more competitive.
One A5 was built, and it has more recently been rebuilt from its A6 configuration back into its original guise for historic racing. Page 1 of 1
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The British Arrows Racing Team started the 1982 Formula 1 season with the new A4. Designed by David Wass, it was the first Arrows to use a honeycomb aluminium monocoque. Undoubtedly a step forward, it was no match for the cars produced by the top teams, particularly those powered by turbocharged engines. So before the the season was done, the team already started developing a replacement, which was hoped to use a turbo engine from 1982 onwards.