: The F6 was designed using an HP9825 computer and featured a specialized data logging unit. This "black box" recorded 12 channels of data, including airspeed (via pitot tube), wheel speed, and steering angle.
: The Fittipaldi F6A/1 Brochure from Taylor & Crawley provides a comprehensive 9-page look at the car's specifications and results.
: Testing at Interlagos and other circuits revealed that the chassis lacked sufficient rigidity—often described as "folding" or "bending" under load. These structural failures led the team to temporarily revert to the older F5A for many races while the F6 was extensively rebuilt into the F6A .
For technical specifications and racing history related to this period, you can consult the following professional archives:
While there is no single official "Interlagos Test 1979" PDF report available for direct download, historical documentation regarding the Copersucar Fittipaldi team's testing and development during that period is available through various archival sources. 1979 Fittipaldi F6 Development & Testing
The team's 1979 season centered on the , a ground-effects car designed by Ralph Bellamy and Richard Divila. Its development and testing period were marked by significant technological innovation and structural challenges:
: Although the 1979 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos was held in February, Emerson Fittipaldi was forced to use the older F5A chassis there because the F6 was not yet race-ready; the F6 finally debuted later that year at the South African Grand Prix. Available Documentation
: A history of the team's engineering, including their use of Hewlett-Packard computers for testing at Interlagos, can be found in the Fittipaldi Years Archive on Speedfreaks.org.
