At Assen this weekend for BOSS GP, the Ferrari F1 car showcased was the Ferrari F310B from the 1997 Formula 1 season. It as one of three ex-F1 cars running in the BOSS GP or in the demonstration runs. The others included:
Ingo Gerstl | Toro Rosso STR1 (Cosworth)
A V10-powered Formula 1 car that raced in the 2006 F1 season. Gerstl regularly drives this iconic machine, known for its incredible sound and speed.Ulf Ehninger | Benetton B197 (Judd)
This car dates back to the 1997 Formula 1 season and was driven by Ulf Ehninger under ESBA-Racing. It represents a classic era of F1 machinery.Thomas Jakoubek | Lotus T127 (Cosworth)
A Cosworth-powered F1 car from the 2010 season with the Team Top Speed entry, showcasing the more recent lineage of Formula 1 technology.
All three cars ran in the BOSS GP F1 class, which features post-1996 Formula 1 cars.
Ferrari 310B
The F310B was a crucial step in Ferrari’s return to F1 competitiveness in the late 1990s. Designed by John Barnard and Ross Brawn, the car underwent significant refinements over its 1996 predecessor to answer handling and reliability issues. Powered by Ferrari’s 3.0L Tipo 046/2 V10 engine, the F310B produced over 700hp and delivered a signature high-rev scream. The car featured advancements in aerodynamics and suspension geometry, which made it a more reliable contender.
Toro Rosso STR1
The Toro Rosso STR1 was the inaugural car for Scuderia Toro Rosso, entering Formula 1 in 2006 after Red Bull acquired Minardi. The car itself was built on the foundation of Red Bull Racing’s RB1 chassis, effectively a rebranded version adapted to Toro Rosso’s needs. Powered by a potent Cosworth TJ2006 V10 engine, the STR1 marked the last year V10s were legal in F1, making it famous among enthusiasts for its unsilenced, high-revving sound. The STR1 struggled competitively against more advanced machinery, but its significance lies in launching Toro Rosso’s F1 journey and giving future stars like Vitantonio Liuzzi and Scott Speed a foothold in the sport. Today, in the BOSS GP series, the STR1’s evocative engine note and unique lineage make it a favorite with fans, symbolizing the end of an era for both the Minardi team and the V10 era in Formula 1.
Benetton B197
The Benetton B197 raced in the 1997 Formula 1 season, engineered by the successful Benetton team just after their mid-‘90s peak with Michael Schumacher. Designed by Nick Wirth and Pat Symonds, it was powered by the Renault RS9 V10 engine, one of the finest engines of its era. Driven by Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger, the B197 finished third in the Constructors’ Championship, claiming victories at Hockenheim and several podiums. The car marked the end of Benetton’s true prominence, as the team’s performance declined during the late ‘90s following Renault’s withdrawal. In modern BOSS GP events, the B197 is admired for its classic lines, distinct blue-and-yellow livery, and robust V10 sound. It stands as a nostalgic reminder of a team that once challenged for titles and played a crucial role in the development of F1’s technical innovation during the decade.
Lotus T127
The Lotus T127 debuted in the 2010 Formula 1 season, representing the rebirth of the historic Lotus name as the new Lotus Racing team returned to the grid. Designed by Mike Gascoyne, the T127 utilized a Cosworth CA2010 V8 engine and was paired with an Xtrac gearbox — both supplied to new and smaller teams under F1’s cost-cutting regulations. While competitive results were elusive and the car rarely outpaced its fellow newcomers — HRT and Virgin Racing — its historical significance lies in rekindling the famous Lotus heritage and attracting widespread fan support. The green and yellow livery paid tribute to Lotus’s classic F1 colors, underlining the connection to past glory. Though the T127 never scored a championship point in its debut year, it symbolized both the difficulties new teams faced and the enduring appeal of the Lotus brand. Today, it runs at BOSS GP events as a modern F1 collector’s icon.
