Ferrari 500 F2
In an attempt to limit Formula 1 costs until the new regulations come into force in 1954, the International Federation decides that the World Championship will be contested with Formula 2 cars in 1952 and 1953. The decision does not change the fate of Alfa Romeo, which had long decided to withdraw from racing due to costs and, to contain expenses, had not truly renewed its single-seater since 1938. Ferrari, on the other hand, continues on its path, also because the Drake had prepared in advance.
Despite his inherent preference for the 12-cylinder engine, Enzo Ferrari encouraged engineer Aurelio Lampredi to work on the idea of a four-cylinder in-line engine, much lighter than the 12-cylinder and with high torque already at very low speeds. Thus, the project of the 625 engine was born – which would equip Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars from 1954 onwards but would above all be the weapon under the hood of the 500 F2 cars in 1952 and 1953.
Drivers:
Alberto Ascari: He skips the first championship race due to the concurrent (unsuccessful) trip to Indianapolis. But on June 22nd, at Spa, the Milanese driver begins his 1952 campaign with a victory in the Belgian Grand Prix – and concludes it on September 7th at Monza with triumph in the Italian Grand Prix. In between, there are four more victories in France, Great Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands. He leaves only the pole position at Silverstone (to Farina) to his teammates and not even a fastest lap in the race. By August 3rd, he is already the new world champion.
Nino Farina: In the remarkable year of his teammate Ascari, Nino Farina does what he can and secures four second places at Spa, Rouen, Nürburgring, and Zandvoort. At the end of the season, he is the runner-up in the world championship.
Piero Taruffi: Taruffi wins the opening race of the World Championship at Bremgarten in Bern while Ascari is in Indianapolis. Then he only secures two more podiums: a second place at Silverstone and a third place at Rouen.
Our model cars:
The name of the single-seater reflects the unit displacement per cylinder. Therefore, a displacement of two liters, for a maximum power, at the moment when the 500 F2 hits the track for the first time, of 165 hp. To improve aerodynamic efficiency, on some circuits, the F500 F2 races with a slightly elongated nose. For two years, it is an absolute protagonist in Formula 1. And it gives Enzo Ferrari and his team the first two world championship titles in the category.
