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Ralt RT3

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Ralt RT3
CategoryFormula 3
ConstructorRalt
Designer(s)Ron Tauranac
Technical specifications
ChassisAluminum monocoque with rear sub-frame
EngineMid-engine, longitudinally mounted, Alfa Romeo/Toyota/Volkswagen, 2.0–2.4 L (122.0–146.5 cu in), I4, NA
TransmissionHewland 5-speed manual
Power~ 165 hp (123 kW)
Weight455 kg (1,003 lb)
TyresMichelin
Competition history
Debut1979

The Ralt RT3 is an open-wheel Formula 3 race car, developed and built by Ralt in 1979.[1]

Design

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The car, designed by Ron Tauranac, was equipped with a particularly elaborate ground effect system and implemented an aluminum monocoque frame with a honeycomb structure to contain the weight. The suspension was mounted a lot inside the chassis, so much so that it allowed a more aerodynamic development of the bodywork in such a way that it allowed an improvement in the ground effect. A five-speed Hewland gearbox operated various four-cylinder engines of Alfa Romeo, Toyota, and Volkswagen origin.[2][3]

Racing history

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The RT3, an evolution of the previous RT1, was entered in the Formula 3 championships during the 1979 season, lagging behind the other cars lined up by the various teams. For this reason, only four examples were built. The excessive heaviness precluded a good performance for the rest of the season. Despite this, the entire structure was refurbished and between 1980 and 1984 the car achieved numerous successes such as the British Formula 3 championship won by Ayrton Senna and the European championship won by Pierluigi Martini. A change in legislation in 1985 made it obsolete and led to its replacement.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Ralt – F3History". www.f3history.co.uk.
  2. ^ "1982 Ralt RT3 Toyota Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com.
  3. ^ "1986 Ralt RT3 technical and mechanical specifications - .com". conceptcarz.com.
  4. ^ "RALT RACING HISTORY".