Ralt RT4

Ralt RT4

TheRalt RT4is anopen-wheelformula racingcar, designed, developed and built byRalt,forFormula Atlantic(and was also occasionally raced inFormula Twocategories), in 1980. It was later converted into a closed-wheelprototype,and used in the revivedCan-Amseries, between 1982 and 1985, where it achieved only modest success. In Can-Am competition the car achieved 1 podium finish, 1 class victory and a best result of a 2nd-place finish.

Background

The RT4 was the car of choice inAustralian Formula 1andFormula Mondialduring the early to mid-1980s.Roberto Morenodrove an RT4 to win theAustralian Grand Prixin1981,1983,and the final AGP in1984before it became a round of theFormula OneWorld Championship in 1985, whileAlain Prostalso drove one to victory in the1982 Australian Grand Prix.Other F1 drivers to drive a Ralt RT4 in Australia during this period includedJacques LaffiteandAndrea de Cesaris,as well as World ChampionsAlan Jones,Nelson Piquet,Keke RosbergandNiki Lauda.The RT4, generally powered by anaturally aspirated1.6 L (98 cu in),four-cylinderFord BDA enginewhich produced around 220 bhp (164 kW; 223 PS), also sawJohn Bowewin theAustralian Drivers' Championshipin1984and1985,while Australian Ralt importer Graham Watson used one to win the1986 championship.Thechassiswas constructed out of analuminummonocoque,covered in afiberglassbody. It was also very light, weighing only 1,045 lb (474 kg).