Van Diemen RF81 – 1981
By the early 1980s, Formula Ford had firmly established itself as the essential entry-level category for aspiring Formula One drivers. During this period, Van Diemen chassis, built in Snetterton, Norfolk, England, set the benchmark.
In 1980, the manufacturer’s cars won 13 of the 14 races in the British Formula Ford 1600 Championship. The following year, Ayrton Senna arrived from Brazil to begin his European racing career in the British Formula Ford Championship. Driving a Van Diemen RF81, he claimed the championship title in his very first season.This example is one of the three Van Diemen RF81 chassis used by Ayrton Senna’s team during the 1981 season.
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Model: Van Diemen RF81
Year: 1981
Country: United Kingdom
Power: 105 hp
Displacement: 1598 cc
Weight: 420 kg (regulatory minimum, without driver)
Top Speed: 210 km/h
Engine: Ford Kent inline 4-cylinder