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The 1966 Season
Hailed as the "return to power" the 1966 season saw the start of the new 3 litre formula.
Some teams were more ready than others and as a consequence a wide
variety of engines and chassis were used ranging from Ferrari's new
purpose built 3 litre V12 (312) to modified 65 season engines which
were bored out to 2 litres.
There were also various 4 cylinder Climax engines plus a 2.4 litre V6 (246) Ferrari based on the "Dino" engine.
Ferrari
While other teams were arguing with the governing bodies and trying to
get the 3 litre formula changed to 2.5 litres, Ferrari just got on with
it and produced an all new 3 litre V12 to be known as the 312.
John Surtees was Ferrari's top driver and was given the car to start
the season. Lorenzo Bandini had to make do with a 2.4 litre V6 based on
the "Dino" mounted in last years chassis to start the season. But
despite this Bandini almost won the Monaco Grand Prix but had to retire
with throttle linkage problems.
In the next race at Spa-Francorchamps the 312 and John Surtees was
unbeatable. Mike Parkes driving the second 312 scored a creditable 2nd
at the French Grand Prix. Unfortunately Surtees and Ferrari parted
company before the French Grand Prix but the 312 went on to dominate
the Grand Prix of Italy at Monza coming home 1st and 2nd in the hands
of Scarfiotti and Parkes.
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