1997 was a pivotal year for Ferrari, marking their 50th anniversary.
The “B” on the Ferrari F310B denotes that it is the development of the previous model 310, but it was a very different car. Initially designed by John Barnard, Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn, the brain trust from Renault F1 that propelled Michael Schumacher to his two titles, joined Ferrari F1 and took over the project. This new team would go on to secure six consecutive Constructors' Championships from 1999 to 2004.
Compared to the 1996 original F310 car, the F310B was an overall more drivable race car because it was more mechanically and aerodynamically efficient. With adherence to regulations Ferrari reduced its width, redesigned the running gear, and introduced the 046/2 engine, as well as a new actuation system for the seven speed gearbox. The F310B l V10 engine is a more reliable modified evolution from the 1996 version. It’s Ferrari’s final wide-track racer before 1998 regulations mandated narrower widths. The ‘310’ model designation has the same 3 litre displacement with 10 cylinders format as many other Ferrari models.
The F310 B enabled the Maranello team to contend for the World Title. Schumacher claimed victory in five GPs (Monaco, Canada, France, Belgium, and Japan) and battled for the championship in the final race at Jerez against Jacques Villeneuve (Williams-Renault). In 1997 with the F310B, Ferrari amassed 102 points, a feat not achieved since 1990.
Chassis 178 won the 1997 Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka. Schumacher is the only driver to have driven this chassis. He raced it four times.
The Final race weekend of 1997 and the ensuing drama
Jerez, being the final race of the season, Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher were locked in a tight battle for the championship separated by only one point. Jacques Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, and Heinz Harald Frentzen all qualified the same time down to the thousandths of a second. 1.21.072. An almost statistically impossible situation.
After one of the most dramatic qualifying rounds in F1 history, the F1 teams were abuzz. Jacques Villeneuve predicted to the press that Schumacher would try the same tactics he used to win against Damon Hill in the 1994 season finale.
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The Race and its fallout
The race started off well for Schumacher & 310B 178, but unfortunately for Ferrari Villeneuve’s Williams had a better day. As if predetermined by fate Michael Schumacher did try to take out Jacques Villeneuve from contention by what most believe was an intentional crash. Our 310B 178 ended up lightly damaged yet drivable but stuck in the sand trap. Schumacher was out of contention for the Championship.
Conclusion of 1997 Season
One of the most dramatic and close seasons had come to an end. The FIA ruled that the incident was instinctual and therefore not intentional. Schumacher’s penalty for this infraction was disqualification from the entire season. At this low point many thought that Ferrari and the Schumacher dream of winning the Championship was doomed. It took two more seasons until Ferrari won the Constructor’s title. Three years later both Schumacher and Ferrari finally put the critics' doubts to rest.
310 B 178 – Present Day
310 B 178 was purchased from one of Ferrari’s executive board members. This car is in its as-raced condition and has not been restored. It has been used at various track days over the past few years.
Undoubtedly F310B 178 is one of the most historically significant modern day Ferrari F1 cars with an incredible backstory fitting of a Hollywood drama.
Links
Jacques Villeneuve discussing the 1997 season final