European Formula 2 champion in 1977 with René Arnoux, Tico Martini wanted to try the leap into Formula 1. The Mk23 F.1 of 1978 essentially took up the concept of the Mk22 F.2 of 1977, and the Cosworth V8 obviously replaced the Renault V6 liters used for the minor formula. Driven by Arnoux, the Mk23 raced eight races, obtaining two ninth places as the best result (Belgium and Austria). At the end of the season, the Martini team decided to leave F1 to focus mainly on Formula 3.