Unhappy with the impending engine regulations in
Formula One which stipulated that the engine must be a V8 configuration,
Enzo Ferrari commissioned the design of an
Indy car. While he made no secret of his desire to win the
Indianapolis 500, many believe that his threat to leave F1 for CART was merely a bargaining tool to make the
FIA rethink their engine regulations. Ferrari approached Goodyear about the possible CART program, and Goodyear recommended the
Truesports CART team for a research and development partnership. After the 1985 CART season, Truesports and driver
Bobby Rahal traveled to Italy to demonstrate a March 85C-Cosworth. The car was tested by both Rahal and Ferrari driver
Michele Alboreto at the Fiorano test track. Afterwards, the car was taken apart and studied by Ferrari. In 1986, Ferrari designed and built their own car, which was tested by Alboreto. Ultimately, this car was never raced as a Ferrari, but was passed on to fellow
FIAT subsidiary
Alfa Romeo, who were looking to improve their market share in the US. ==Technical==