Erich Zakowski's Zakspeed team was a successful reality in the seventies and eighties and a constant presence in many categories such as Touring, Group 5 and prototypes. Formula 1 was missing, which Zakspeed faced from the mid-eighties. The 841 was presented in September 1984. Designed by Paul Brown it had a modern carbon fiber monocoque. The engine was a 4-cylinder turbo designed by Zakspeed herself. The 841 made its debut at the 1985 Portuguese GP and the only placement in 9 races was an 11th place for Jonathan Palmer in Monte Carlo. The other driver of the team in 1985 was Christian Danner.