As there are over 650 Unraced F1 projects from the period 1885 – 2020 I decided before to publish articles of unraced projects per year. This is easier for you to see which attempts happened a specific year. Of course, it is easier for me as well as researching and writing an article takes a lot of time, which I don’t always have. If you are interested in one of the summarized attempts perhaps, I can give you more info about it. This is the summarized overview of the Unraced projects in 2008.
BMW Sauber F1.08B
The BMW Sauber F1.08B was the interim car from the BMW Sauber team during the season and winter testing to prepare the team and their technique for 2009. The car was used for KERS testing. This was the new feature back then in the Formula 1. Two chassis of the F1.08B were build. The car is well known for the engineer that got electrocuted due the new system. Fortunately he got away with some moderate injuries, and recovered from it. The problem was with the control unit.
Ferrari F2008K
The Ferrari F2008K is a modified version of their F2008 which was used during the 2008 season. Ferrari;s F2008K was built for testing the extensive regulation changes for the 2009 season. The most important thing was, as for many teams, to fit in the KERS system and see how it functionates with the cars hardware. The car was stripped from the Barge board and turning vanes as these were outlawed for 2009.
McLaren-Mercedes MP4-23K
The McLaren MP4-23K was similar to the Ferrari. McLaren used one or two modified MP4-23 chassis to test with the new KERS system. As well the team experimented with the aerodynamics for the 2009 season.
Prodrive F1 Team
Prodrive is the company of former BAR-Honda team Boss David Richard. In the past Prodrive has been linked a numerous time to debut in the Formula 1. However, in 2008 it seems it could have happened. Richard told in early 2007 that he would consider a return to Formula 1 with his own team in 2008. There was one but, only if the sport would come with a budget cap. This was before the economic crisis. According to F1 Racing Magazine the team was planning their pre-preparation in Warwickshire.
Super Aguri-Honda SA07B
Super Aguri appeared on the 15th of February 2008 at Jerez for the pre-season testing. Despite the teams future was unsure at that time the team was to test with the SA07B. Both Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson took place behind the wheel of the car. Both drivers tested the electronics system for 2008, to get known with it. As well the team tested several aerodynamical changes for the 2008 season. Interesting about the car, it was based on the Honda RA106 which Honda used in 2006.
Magma Group F1 Team
Before the 2008 season even stated it was a guess if Super Aguri would appear on the grid. The team had financial problems. However, the team managed it to appear on the grid. During the Turkish Grand Prix the team was refused access to the track. Not long after Aguri Suzuki announced the renewal of the team of the grid. Magma Group appeared on the radar in March or April 2008 to rescue the Super Aguri Team. The intention was to take over the team. If they would rebrand the team to Magma F1 Team or similar is unknown.
Williams – Toyota FW29B
Williams appeared with the FW29B at Jerez during the winter testing at Jerez in January 2008. The car was fitted with several aerodynamical changed which would be adapted on the FW30. Both Nakajima and Rosberg tested with the car.
Williams – Toyota FW30B
In December 2008 Williams appeared with the FW30B interim car. The car was fitted experimental aerodynamics, as well with the 2009-spec rear end and the gearbox.
