Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg will have the chance to drive Juan Manuel Fangio’s legendary 1954 Mercedes W196 at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit next weekend during the German Grand Prix.
The Mercedes W196 was the first Formula 1 car to race with open wheels, coincidentally at Nurburgring, after Fangio faced problems with the “streamlined” bodywork at the British GP. The W196 won the German GP, as well as three other races, in 1954 and another five in 1955.
“Coming to the Nürburgring for the German Grand Prix always feels very special to me,” said Rosberg . “This year, I will have the opportunity to drive Juan Manuel Fangio’s car from 1954 on the amazing old circuit, and that will be very special.”
Mercedes 1954/55 W196 Specs
Engine Configuration: Straight six, naturally aspirated
Engine Layout: Longitudinally mounted at the front, RWD
Engine Displacement: 2,496 lt
Engine Bore / Stroke: 76.0 mm / 68.8 mm
Engine Compression: 12.0:1
Engine Valvetrain: 2 valves/cylinder, DOHC, direct fuel injection
Maximum Power: 290 bhp (294 PS)/5,800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 294 Nm (216.8 lb/ft)
Chassis: Steel tubular spaceframe, aluminium bodywork
Suspension: Double wishbones (f), swing axle with torsion bars (r)
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Brakes: 4 alloy drums
Weight: 835 kg
Top Speed: 300 km/h (186 mph)
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