Ron Tauranac, Australian engineer and businessman

Ronald Tauranac: A Visionary Engineer Behind Motorsport Legends

Ronald Sidney Tauranac (13 January 1925 – 17 July 2020) was a distinguished British-Australian engineer and pioneering racing car designer whose profound influence shaped the landscape of Formula One and junior motorsport categories for decades. Revered for his innovative chassis designs and engineering acumen, Tauranac was a pivotal figure in the golden age of racing.

Founding Brabham: A Legacy Forged with a Champion

In 1962, Tauranac co-founded the Brabham constructor and racing team alongside the legendary Formula One driver Jack Brabham. This partnership, known officially as the Brabham Racing Organisation (BRO), quickly became a formidable force in global motorsport. Their collaboration was groundbreaking, leading to both driver and constructor championships in Formula One, a testament to Tauranac's engineering brilliance combined with Brabham's driving prowess.

Following Jack Brabham's retirement from driving at the close of the 1970 season, Tauranac assumed full ownership and management of the Brabham team. He steered the team through a transitional period until 1972, when he made the significant decision to sell it to Bernie Ecclestone. This transaction marked a pivotal moment in Formula One history, as Ecclestone would go on to transform not only the Brabham team but also the commercial aspects of the entire sport, making it the global spectacle it is today.

Continued Influence in Formula One and Beyond

Even after his departure from Brabham, Tauranac's expertise remained highly sought after within the competitive world of motorsport. He remained in England, lending his considerable design talents to various projects. In 1973, he assisted Frank Williams, a future Formula One titan, with the redesign of a Politoys Formula One chassis, showcasing his ability to refine and enhance existing concepts. Concurrently, he collaborated with Trojan, a British car manufacturer, to develop a Formula One version of their powerful Formula 5000 car, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and adaptable engineer.

The Ralt Era: Dominance in Junior Categories

After a brief period of retirement in Australia, Ronald Tauranac's enduring passion for racing car design called him back to England. There, he established the Ralt marque, a name with a personal historical connection. "Ralt" was a clever anagram derived from his own surname (Tauranac) and had previously been used by him and his brother Austin for a series of successful "specials" in Australia during the 1950s. Notably, their Ralt 500 racer famously clinched the New South Wales (NSW) Hillclimb Championship in 1954.

The Versatile Ralt RT1 and Championship Success

The first "modern" Ralt chassis to gain widespread recognition was the Ralt RT1. This highly adaptable design was engineered for competition across multiple prominent junior single-seater categories, including Formula Three (F3), Formula Two (F2), and Formula Atlantic. The RT1 quickly proved its superior performance and reliability, achieving significant success:

• It secured the European Formula Three championship in 1975, piloted by Australian driver Larry Perkins.
• The 1978 season further solidified the RT1's pedigree, winning the European F3 championship with Dutch driver Jan Lammers at the helm.

Tauranac's reputation as an elite designer extended even to direct Formula One projects during this period. For the 1978 season, he notably designed the Theodore Racing F1 car, demonstrating his continued capability at the pinnacle of the sport.

Innovation and Sustained Success: RT2, RT3, and Honda Collaboration

Ralt's commitment to innovation was evident with the introduction of new designs for the 1979 season: the RT2 for Formula Two and the RT3 for Formula Three. These models continued the marque's tradition of excellence, building on the success of their predecessors.

The Ralt RT3 chassis, in particular, became a dominant force in Formula Three racing throughout the early to mid-1980s. Its remarkable achievements include:

• Winning the 1983 European F3 championship with Pierluigi Martini.
• Securing an unprecedented five consecutive British F3 titles, a testament to its consistent performance and design superiority in one of motorsport's most competitive feeder series.

A significant joint venture with Honda further propelled Ralt's success. This collaboration resulted in the highly effective Ralt RH6 chassis, a Formula Two car that demonstrated remarkable synergy between Ralt's design and Honda's engine technology. The RH6 chassis went on to win multiple prestigious titles in 1981, 1984, and 1985, underscoring the strength of this partnership.

In October 1988, Ronald Tauranac sold the highly successful Ralt business to March Engineering for a substantial sum of £1.25 million, marking the end of his direct ownership of a major racing car constructor.

A Lasting Legacy and National Recognition

Even after divesting from Ralt, Ronald Tauranac remained deeply embedded in the motorsport world, offering his invaluable expertise in various capacities. His post-Ralt involvement included:

• Designing racing-school cars for Honda, helping to develop future generations of drivers.
• Engineering a Formula Renault car, further contributing to junior single-seater categories.
• Providing crucial consulting work for the Arrows Formula One team, sharing his vast experience with another top-tier competitor.
• Maintaining strong, continued relationships with Honda, reflecting a long-standing mutual respect and collaboration.

Tauranac also dedicated his time to nurturing new talent and promoting engineering excellence by serving as a design judge at the prestigious Formula SAE Australasia competition held in Melbourne, Australia. This role allowed him to mentor aspiring engineers and provide insights based on his unparalleled career.

In recognition of his monumental contributions, Ronald Tauranac was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2002 Australia Day Honours. This high national honour celebrated his "service to motor racing, particularly through the engineering design, construction and production of Formula 1 racing cars, providing young drivers with opportunities to compete at top levels, and sharing knowledge with others for the advancement of the sport." His passing on 17 July 2020, at the age of 95, marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to innovation, design, and the relentless pursuit of speed in motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ronald Tauranac

Who was Ronald Tauranac?

Ronald Tauranac was a highly influential British-Australian engineer and racing car designer, best known for co-founding the Brabham Formula One team with Jack Brabham and later establishing the successful Ralt racing car constructor.

What was Ronald Tauranac's role at Brabham?

As co-founder of the Brabham Racing Organisation (BRO), Tauranac was the chief designer and engineer responsible for the chassis that brought Jack Brabham and the team multiple Formula One championships. He later owned and managed the team for a period after Jack Brabham's retirement.

What is the significance of the Ralt marque?

Ralt, founded by Tauranac, became one of the most successful manufacturers of junior single-seater racing cars, particularly in Formula Three and Formula Two, winning numerous championships and helping launch the careers of many future Grand Prix drivers.

What were some of Tauranac's most successful designs?

Key successful designs include the Brabham BT series Formula One cars, the versatile Ralt RT1 (successful in F3, F2, Formula Atlantic), the dominant Ralt RT3 (five consecutive British F3 titles), and the Honda-powered Ralt RH6 (multiple F2 titles).

Did Ronald Tauranac work on other Formula One projects?

Yes, after selling Brabham, he assisted Frank Williams with a Politoys F1 chassis redesign and helped Trojan develop an F1 car. He also designed the Theodore Racing F1 car for the 1978 season and later consulted for the Arrows Formula One team.

What recognition did Ronald Tauranac receive for his contributions to motorsport?

In 2002, he was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), one of Australia's highest honours, for his outstanding service to motor racing through engineering design, construction, and mentorship.