The Tecno Company began as a conventional engineering business manufacturing hydraulic pumps. They later ventured into Italian kart and racing car construction, eventually becoming a Formula One constructor. During their F1 career, they participated in ten grand prix races, entering a total of 11 cars and scoring one championship point. Tecno's plan for success in Formula One competition was to use their chassis powered by an in-house designed engine. Their engine choice was a 180-degree flat 12 layout like the Ferrari and Alfa Romeo units. The chassis was an aluminum monocoque spaceframe covered in aluminum. The engine and Hewland gearbox were bolted on the chassis' bulkhead and served as a fully stressed member. The new Tecno F1 racer was intended for the 1971 season, but teething problems meant it was not until the 1972 season before it was introduced. The Tecno PA 123 made its debut at the fifth race of the 1972 season.
For the 1973 season, Chris Amon was hired as the Works driver. A new monocoque chassis was designed by Alan McCall. The car made its debut, Amon drove the car to an impressive sixth-place finish and earned the company their first and last points in Formula One competition. At the close of the season, Tecno withdrew from Formula One competition.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012
A second car, chassis number PA123/2, soon followed. The car was driven to third place in a non-championship race at Vallelunga. It made its Grand Prix debut in France in the capable hands of Derek bell, where it (unfortunately) failed to finish. At the British Grand Prix, the car was driven by Nino Galli who managed to qualify it 17th out of 26 entrants. During the race, the car once again failed to finish. Throughout the season, Bell and Galli would share seat time in the PA123, but with disappointing results.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012
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