Header photo: Ferrari
Ferrari F310 F1 (1996): Full Specs, Competition History, Dimensions and Features
The 1996 Ferrari F310 marked a major technical shift for Scuderia Ferrari as the team adopted a V10 engine configuration for the first time in its Formula 1 history. Driven by Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine, the car secured three victories during the season and laid important groundwork for Ferrari’s competitive resurgence in the late 1990s.
Overview
Assembly: Maranello Italy
Production: 1996 season
Drivers
Michael Schumacher
• 15 races
• 59 points
• 3rd in the Drivers’ Championship
Eddie Irvine
• 16 races
• 11 points
• 10th in the Drivers’ Championship
Team Principal and Designers
Team Principal:
Jean Todt
Designers:
John Barnard (Technical Director), Gustav Brunner (Chief Designer), Aldo Costa (Head of Chassis Design), Willem Toet (Head of Aerodynamics), Tony Tyler (Chief Aerodynamicist), Paolo Martinelli (Engine Technical Director), Osamu Goto (Chief Engine Designer)
Competition history of the 1996 Ferrari F310 (F1)
Debut race: 1996 Australian Grand Prix
First win: 1996 Spanish Grand Prix
Last win: 1996 Italian Grand Prix
Races entered: 32 races
Wins: 3 victories
Podiums: 9 podium finishes
DNS: 1 race not started
DNF: 15 retirements
DSQ: 0 disqualifications
Pole positions: 4 pole positions
Fastest laps: 2 fastest laps
The F310 competed in the 1996 Formula 1 World Championship and represented Ferrari’s first season with Michael Schumacher after his move from Benetton. Despite reliability problems and the dominant Williams FW18, the Ferrari achieved three victories through Schumacher at Spain, Belgium and Italy. Schumacher’s wet weather victory at the Spanish Grand Prix became one of the most celebrated performances of the season. Ferrari ultimately finished second in the Constructors’ Championship with 70 points, 105 points less than the championship winner Williams.
Aerodynamics and Design
The 1996 Ferrari F310 (F1) saw updates that reflected Ferrari’s transition to a new technical philosophy following the V12 powered 412 T2. Designed under the direction of John Barnard, the chassis featured a carbon fibre honeycomb monocoque and introduced Ferrari’s first modern V10 engine in Formula 1.
Early versions of the car used an unconventional low nose configuration while most competitors had adopted higher nose designs to improve airflow beneath the chassis. Development during the season introduced aerodynamic revisions including a higher nose structure, improved sidepod airflow and cooling refinements. Although competitive, the car suffered from reliability issues particularly involving the gearbox and hydraulic systems, which limited its consistency against leading rivals.
Dimensions and Weight
Length: 4,355 mm (171.5 in)
Width: 1,995 mm (78.5 in)
Height: 970 mm (38.2 in)
Wheelbase: 2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Front track: 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Rear track: 1,605 mm (63.2 in)
Weight: 600 kg (1,322 lb)
Engine Powertrain and Performance
Engine type: Ferrari Tipo 046 naturally aspirated 75° V10
Displacement: 2,998 cc (183.0 cu in)
Bore × stroke: 90 × 47.1 mm (3.54 × 1.85 in)
Power: 715 hp at 15,550 rpm
Maximum revs: 16,000 - 17,000 rpm
Transmission: Ferrari semi-automatic sequential gearbox
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Top speed: approximately 320 km/h (199 mph) depending on circuit setup
Wheels and Braking
Front brakes: Ventilated carbon fibre disc brakes with multi piston calipers
Rear brakes: Ventilated carbon fibre disc brakes with multi piston calipers
Tyre brand: Goodyear
Related
The Formula 1 models listed below share a connection with the Ferrari F310 (F1).
1995 Ferrari 412 T2
Photo: Ferrari
The Ferrari 412 T2 was the V12 powered Formula 1 car that preceded the F310 and represented the final Ferrari F1 chassis to use a twelve cylinder engine.
1997 Ferrari F310B
Photo: Audrain Auto Museum
The Ferrari F310B was the heavily revised successor that improved reliability aerodynamics and overall competitiveness during the 1997 Formula 1 season.
