After his debut in F1 in 1980 with the FA1, Enzo Osella fielded a new car, the FA1B, which debuted in Monza as early as the end of the 1980 season. Designed together with Giorgio Valentini, the FA1B was equipped with the classic Ford Cosworth DFV engine with exchange Hewland FGB. It was lighter than the FA1, with a rather conventional monocoque, reinforced with carbon fiber and narrower to accommodate wider sides. During the season, Beppe Gabbiani, Giorgio Francia, Piercarlo Ghinzani, Miguel-Angel Guerra and Jean-Pierre Jarier took turns driving the Osella: the latter ensured the supply of slightly more competitive Michelin tires, but the balance of the year was rather negative: 17 missed qualifiers, 5 withdrawals and 4 placings outside the points. In the final part of the season, Osella debuted a new car, the FA1C which would be used throughout 1982.