Information
- Alfa Romeo engine.
- Original Miller livery.
- Former Roberto Guerrero’s car.
- From the collection of Mauro Pane.
Specialist Notes
When this car was born in the late 80's and early 90's, the Indy is the fastest formula in the world, in many cases even faster than Formula 1. Formula Indy cars have the same power as Formula 1, but they have to discount some turbo response delay and a heavier weight; the cars give the feeling of tiring the driver less, allowing him the mental clarity necessary to complete the many laps of the race, of which the final ones are often the most excited and decisive, as in Indianapolis.
Relations between Alfa Romeo and racing in the United States began in the 1930s, but we had to wait long years to see the brand again competing in the American championships, in the form of an engine only. The Biscione appears in the Indy formula from 89 to 91, officially to increase the sales volumes of the Milano (ie the 75 model) and the 164. The sporting image of Alfa is important and, through the highest category, the Alfa intends to green its laurels overseas. The driver chosen to drive is the veteran Roberto Guerrero, Colombian born in 1958, engaged in the category since 1984 after making his debut in Formula 1. The debut in 1989 is premature and there is not enough time for development, added to technical and organizational problems, but over time things change. In September 1989, Alfa Romeo joins the Patrick team headed by Chip Ganassi. The team's March-Alfa Romeo proves fast but does not give great results until the team divorces March and begins a relationship with Lola that becomes a priority. The car achieved good placings but Alfa Romeo's adventure in the Indy formula will end with a little regret because the potential of the engine still appears today more significant than the results actually obtained.
The Lola single-seater at auction born to travel the American ovals at over 350 kph and capable of reaching 388 kph, is a Lola Alfa Romeo T9000, with a sophisticated mixed carbon and honeycomb aluminum frame designed in Lola and a 2.7 liters Alfa Romeo 8V engine capable of exceeding 700 hp at over 12,000 rpm. The car has an important past, having raced for the Patrick Racing team in the 1990 season, with number 20 and sponsor Miller, the livery it maintains today and was driven by Roberto Guerrero, the first Colombian driver to make his Formula 1 debut. Giovanni Litrico, an Italian collector from Turin, bought the entire Patrick Racing team made up of three March and three Lola with Alfa Romeo engines. The car was part of the team and arrived in Italy; it became the property of the well-known Italian driver and restorer Mauro Pane who took care of the Lola/Alfa Romeo until his death. The current owner was passionate about Pane in his workshop and has kept the Formula Indy until today. The single-seater appears among the members of the CART championship in the list of the Autosprint magazine with the driver Roberto Guerrero. The car retains its original CART championship livery, the engine is the Alfa Romeo type Indy with over 700 hp with ethanol fueling identified by the plate as Tipo Indy 002. Another Lola/Alfa Romeo is kept at the Alfa museum. Romeo of Arese. The car was set in motion before the auction and comes with its auxiliary starter, wheel wrenches and some spare parts.