Ligier JS43

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Ligier JS43
Category Formula One
Constructor Ligier
Team/s Ligier Gauloises Blondes
Designer Frank Dernie
Drivers 9. Olivier Panis
10. Pedro Diniz
Chassis carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Suspension (front) pushrod
Suspension (rear) pushrod
Engine Mugen Honda MF301HA 72-degree V10
Gearbox Ligier six-speed transverse semi-automatic
Fuel Elf
Tyres Goodyear
Debut 1996 Australian Grand Prix
Races competed 16
Constructors' Championships 0
Drivers' Championships 0
Race victories 1
Pole positions 0
Fastest laps 0

The Ligier JS43 was the car with which the Ligier team competed in the 1996 Formula One season. It was driven by Olivier Panis, who was in his third season with the team, and Pedro Diniz, who moved from Forti.

The JS43 was an evolution of 1995's relatively successful JS41, designed by Frank Dernie. However, he, team manager Tony Dowe and majority owner Tom Walkinshaw left the team after ownership problems with Ligier founder Guy Ligier. This paved the way for Alain Prost to buy the team for 1997.

Despite these losses, the car performed respectably all season, with both chassis and engine the subject of steady development. Despite season-long complaints about the JS43's braking performance, Panis managed to win his first and only Grand Prix at the chaotic Monaco GP. It was also the team's first win since Canada 1981.

Panis also scored a fifth place at the Hungaroring, and Diniz also finished in the points on two occasions. However, the Brazilian was lucky to escape a serious fire at the Argentine GP.

The team eventually finished sixth in the Constructors' Championship, with 15 points.

The JS43 on display.
The JS43 on display.


[edit] Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year Team Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Points WCC
1996 Ligier Mugen Honda V10 G AUS BRA ARG EUR SMR MON ESP CAN FRA GBR GER HUN BEL ITA POR JPN 15 6th
Olivier Panis 7 6 8 Ret Ret 1 Ret Ret 7 Ret 7 5 Ret Ret 10 7
Pedro Diniz 10 8 Ret 10 7 Ret 6 Ret Ret Ret Ret Ret Ret 6 Ret Ret

[edit] References

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