<< Prev Page 2 of 2 A single Type 56B was prepared to race alongside the more conventional Type 72 during the 1971 season. Emerson Fittipaldi debuted the Type 56B during the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch in March. The Brazilian had to adjust his driving technique and adopt left-foot braking as he had to get on the throttle early to avoid turbine lag. With no engine-braking from the turbine, the brakes also had a much tougher time.
Thanks to the four-wheel drive system, Fittipaldi excelled during the wet practice at Brands Hatch but lacked pace in the dry race. Following lacklustre outings at Oulton Park and Silverstone, Dave Walker came close to winning the Dutch Grand Prix. In torrential conditions, he was the fastest man in the race and was on track to eventually grab the lead when he spun out.
It was next entrusted to Reine Wisell for the British Grand Prix. The young Swedish driver qualified 19th and then finished a much delayed 13th. Fittipaldi was then back behind the wheel for the Italian Grand Prix. For the high-speed Monza circuit, the wings were removed and the car was re-finished in World Wide Racing colours. The Type 56B was 18th on the grid and ende the race in eighth.
After a second place finish in a non-championship race for Fittipaldi at Hockenheim, the Type 56B was retired from active duty. As Team Lotus successfully turned its full attention back to further developing the World Championship winning Type 72, the Type 56B remains the last four-wheel drive and turbine-engined car to race in Formula 1. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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A single Type 56B was prepared to race alongside the more conventional Type 72 during the 1971 season. Emerson Fittipaldi debuted the Type 56B during the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch in March. The Brazilian had to adjust his driving technique and adopt left-foot braking as he had to get on the throttle early to avoid turbine lag. With no engine-braking from the turbine, the brakes also had a much tougher time.