Orsini Corse 1965 Courses

The Orsini Corse is a historic Formula One motor racing team that competed in the World Championships in 1965. It was the only Italian-based team to take part in the World Championship that season, and they had some success in the lower formulae prior to their entrance into the big leagues. The team was formed by Ugo Orsini, an Italian engineer, who in 1965 secured sponsorship from the government to race in F1. The team initially struggled in the early part of the season and failed to qualify for the Monaco Grand Prix. However, their fortunes changed after the British Grand Prix, which saw the team score their first World Championship points thanks to a fourth-place finish for Orsini. They also competed at the French and German Grands Prix, where Orsini managed solid finishes in both, finishing 6th and 8th respectively. The 1965 season would be Orsini Corse's only appearance in the World Championship, and their drivers were Ugo Orsini, Ferrari and Benetton F1 alumni Andrea de Adamich and Mike Spence. The team used a modified version of the Lotus-BRM V8 engine and chassis, but their lack of funding meant they were unable to mount a serious title challenge. Despite the team's limited success in the World Championship, they managed to win the Italian Formula Three championship in 1965, with de Adamich taking the title. The Orsini Corse team was dissolved following the 1965 World Championship season, but Ugo Orsini went on to become a successful engineer in the automotive industry, working for Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. The team and its achievements will not be forgotten, their brief adventure in the World Championship providing some much-needed Italian spirit during a period of dominance from British, French, and German teams.