Eifelland (Formula One Team)[]
Eifelland was a short-lived Formula One constructor from West Germany that competed in the 1972 Formula One World Championship. The team was named after the German caravan manufacturer Eifelland Wohnwagenbau, owned by industrialist Günther Henerici. Despite a unique approach to car design and branding, Eifelland’s tenure in F1 was brief and ultimately unsuccessful.
Background[]
Günther Henerici, a motorsport enthusiast and owner of Eifelland caravans, entered motorsport sponsorship in the late 1960s. He partnered with German driver Rolf Stommelen, who was emerging as a talent in Formula 2 and later Formula One. In 1972, Henerici decided to enter a full F1 season under the Eifelland name, using a reworked March chassis.
Performance[]
The Eifelland Type 21 was hindered by poor reliability and lackluster performance throughout the season. The car was powered by the Ford-Cosworth DFV engine, like many others on the grid, but the innovative bodywork and aerodynamic package proved problematic. It suffered from overheating, visibility issues, and handling imbalances.
The team's best performance came at the Monaco Grand Prix, where Stommelen finished 10th, but outside of the points-paying positions.
Demise[]
Due to the lack of competitive results and mounting financial pressure, Eifelland withdrew from Formula One after the 1972 season. Henerici also ceased his sponsorship of Stommelen's racing efforts, and the car itself was returned to March specification. The team was disbanded, and Eifelland never returned to Grand Prix racing.
Despite its lack of success, Eifelland is remembered for its ambitious but flawed attempt to bring industrial design into Formula One. The futuristic Colani bodywork remains a curiosity in F1 history, and the project stands as an example of the experimental nature of the sport in the 1970s.
Stommelen went on to continue his racing career with other teams in Formula One and sports car racing. The Eifelland Type 21 chassis still exists and has been displayed at historic racing events.
Formula One Records[]
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | Driver | Best Result | Points | WC Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Eifelland Caravans | Eifelland Type 21 | Ford Cosworth DFV | Rolf Stommelen | 10th (Monaco) | 0 | NC |
Team Names[]
| Years | Name |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Team Eifelland Caravans |
Formula One Summary[]
| Year | Chassis | Engine | Tyre | Drivers | Rounds | WCC Points | WCC Pos. | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 21 | Ford Cosworth DFV V8 3.0 | G |  Rolf Stommelen
|
2–9 | 0 | NC | Report |
Complete Formula One Results[]
| Cars | Tires | Drivers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Points | WCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 
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| 21 | G | Stommelen
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13th | Ret | 10th | 11th | 16th | 10th | Ret | 15th | 0 | NC | ||||
| V T E |
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