Video: Inside the V12 Ligier JS17 at Silverstone Classic

14th December 2016

Ethan Jupp

With the ground effect aerodynamic revolution of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the race was on in Formula 1 to take advantage of the stratospheric levels of grip made available. More speed, requiring more power.

In an era dominated by the seminal Cosworth DFV, the Ligier JS17 in the video above threw a curveball with a 500bhp Matra V12. Watch, as Rob Hall takes us for a tour of the lovely Ligier at this year’s Silverstone Classic. As Rob explains, with the ground effect coming into full swing at higher speeds, it takes a leap of faith to up the pace and trust the downforce will stick you to the circuit.