Categories: Look backRace and classic pictures

Very private tests

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In September 1986, Rene Arnoux was invited to a top secret test to assess the potential of the Alfa Romeo 4-cylinder turbo which was installed in a chassis by Euroracing. On a private track in Balocco, the Frenchman was not impressed but that didn't stop Ligier signing with Alfa for 1987. That was until the Milanese manufacturer grew tired of public criticism from Arnoux and withdrew with immediate effect, leaving Ligier to hastily adapt the JS29 for a BMW Megatron engine.

Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.