Brabham BT49

Brabham BT49
Brabham BT49C
Brabham BT49D
The BT49C being driven by Piquet at Monaco in 1981
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorBrabham
Designer(s)Gordon Murray (Technical Director)
David North (Chief Designer)
PredecessorBT48
SuccessorBT50
Technical specifications
ChassisAluminium alloy monocoque
Suspension (front)Double wishbone pullrod
Suspension (rear)Double wishbone pullrod
or Rocker arm
Axle trackFront: 1,702 mm (67.0 in)
Rear: 1,626 mm (64.0 in)
Wheelbase2,718 mm (107.0 in)
EngineCosworth DFV, 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in), 90° V8, NA, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionHewland FGA 400 / Alfa Romeo 6-speed manual
Weight580 kg (1,278.7 lb)
Fuel1979: Agip
19801981: Elf
19811982: Valvoline
TyresGoodyear / Michelin
Competition history
Notable entrantsParmalat Racing Brabham
Notable driversBrazil Nelson Piquet
Argentina Ricardo Zunino
Mexico Héctor Rebaque
Italy Riccardo Patrese
Debut1979 Canadian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
38
36 F1 WC
2 F1 other
7
7 F1 WC
0 F1 other
7
6 F1 WC
1 F1 other
4
4 F1 WC
0 F1 other
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships1 (1981, Nelson Piquet)

The Brabham BT49 /ˈbræbəm/ is a Formula One racing car designed by South African Gordon Murray for the British Brabham team. The BT49 competed in the 1979 to 1982 Formula One World Championships and was used by Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet to win his first World Championship in 1981.

The car was initially designed in 1979 as a short notice replacement for the team's Alfa Romeo-engined BT48, after Brabham team owner Bernie Ecclestone decided to end his relationship with the Italian engine manufacturer. The BT49 was created in only six weeks using elements of the BT48 chassis together with the widely used Cosworth DFV engine. The monocoque chassis is made from aluminium alloy and carbon fibre composites. The car was fitted with controversial hydropneumatic suspension and water-cooled brakes at different points in its life.

The BT49 was updated over four seasons taking a total of seven wins, six poles and 135 points. Seventeen were eventually built, most of which survive today. Some are used successfully in historic motorsport; Christian Glaesel won the 2005 FIA Historic Formula One Championship driving a BT49D.