Formula racing is one of the most-watched sports in the world. The popularity of the sport is increasing with new technological advancements. Governed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), formula racing has evolved over the years.
One of the most popular divisions of formula racing is “Formula 2”. It is the final stage for a professional driver to showcase his skills and move to the highest level of racing that is Formula 1.
Formula 2 racing has made a name for itself with intense competition between professional drivers, willing to prove their talent and move up in the ranks.
Let’s dive in a little deeper and learn everything about Formula 2.
HISTORY OF FORMULA 2
Initially, Formula 2 existed as “Formula B”, some time after the second world war. It was a type of open steering racing category that was first introduced in 1948. The category served as the stepping stone for racers to step into F1.
With the change in regulations by the FIA over the years which saw the introduction of 1.6 litre engine used in 1967 and introduction of 2.0 litre format in 1972, F2 had its absences between the years.
In 1985, F3000 took over the F2 as the feeder championship for F1. In 2004, a new formula two concept termed the “GP2” series was proposed. The idea was adopted by the FIA and F3000 was replaced by “GP2”.
GP2 served its purpose well and supported the F1 championship. The drivers in this championship were given the opportunity to race in front of fans and F1 teams. F1 teams also started putting their junior drivers in the championship to gain experience.
The drivers not only had the opportunity to drive a light-weight racing car, but it also gave them the experience of a Grand Prix weekend.
FAILED ATTEMPT TO REVIVE F2
The FIA tried to revive the F2 division during the GP2 tenure. This run of the Formula 2 was completely independent of the GP2 division with Williams-built chassis, and Audi 1.8 turbocharged engines.
However, the F2 division never achieved the anticipated popularity during this run. Although it was budget-friendly but the new modifications and turbocharger did not help achieve the ultimate goal. The FIA Formula 2 championship only lasted for four seasons from 2009 to 2012.
THE REVIVAL OF F2
In 2017, FIA came into an agreement with the former GP2 organisation to rebrand, restructure, and rename the path to F1 racing. F2 was back as the most competitive single-make championship. F2 was set to serve as the sole penultimate platform for drivers to move to F1.
Until now F2 has had 5 successful seasons with the 2022 season still running its course. Serving as a ladder to F1 racing, The FIA Formula 2 championship has produced some famous names who have later made their mark on the F1 circuit.
THE FIA
Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile or International Automobile Federation, FIA, is the governing body for all world motor sports. The federation regulates and judges hundreds of motorsports events around the world.
Endurance racing, rallies, electric and new energy championships, grassroot, and regional level competitions; the FIA monitors all these events. The FIA ensures fair play and the safety of participants.
Additionally, the FIA monitors the sporting and technical regulations of formula racing. The federation appoints a professional to monitor the events and ensure that the rules and regulations are always followed.
Furthermore, the FIA keeps track of the safety measures of cars and circuits used. Drivers are also given a briefing about the discipline as an added safety measure.
SPECIFICATIONS OF CARS USED IN FORMULA 2
Following are the details for dimensions, performance and engine specs of F2 cars.
Dimensions of F2 Cars
- Overall width: 1900 mm
- Overall length: 5224 mm
- Overall height: 1097 mm (with the FOM roll hoop camera)
- Overall weight: 755 kg (with the driver on board)
- Wheelbase: 3135 mm
Engine OF F2 CARS
- Mechachrome single-turbo charged engine, V6-3.4 litres
- Can go up to 620 HP at 8750 rpm
- Fly-by-wire accelerator
- Engine rebuild after 8000 kilometre
- Torque Limit 570 Nm at 6000 rpm
PERFORMANCE OF F2 CARS
- Acceleration rate: 0 – 100 km/hr in 2.90 seconds, 0-200 km/hr in 6.60 seconds
- Maximum speed (Monza aero configuration + DRS): 335 km/hr
- Maximum braking deceleration: – 3.5 G
- Maximum lateral acceleration: +/- 3.9 G
SAFETY STANDARDS IN F2 CARS
- Complete F1 safety standards set by FIA
- Titanium Halo F1 specification
BODYWORK AND MONOCOQUE OF F2 CARS
- Survival cell – Sandwich Aluminium/carbon honeycomb structure/zylon anti-intrusion panels by Dallara
- Front and rear wing by Dallara
- Carbon – kevlar honeycomb structures by Dallara
GEARBOX OF F2 CARS
- 6-speed Hewland sequential gearbox (Longitudinal)
- Paddle shifter, shift from steering wheel for electro-hydraulic command
- Carbon clutch by ZF SACHS
- Without onboard starter
- Nonhydraulic ramp differential
DRS IN F2 CARS
- Same DRS functions as used in F1
- Hydraulic activation
FUEL CELL IN F2 CARS
- As per FIA standard
- Premier FT5, 125 litres
ELECTRONIC FEATURES OF F2 CARS
- Marshalling system and F1 type VSC
- PDU 12-42 power supply management unit by Magneti Marelli
- Beacon receiver
- Marvel SRG 480 ECU/GCU by Magnet Marelli, including data logging system
SUSPENSION IN F2 CARS
- Double steel wishbones, pushrod operated, torsion bars suspension (F), spring suspension (R), and twin dampers
- Adjustable ride height, toe, and camber
- Koni dampers that are two-way and four-way adjustable
- Adjustable anti-roll bar (Front/Rear)
BRAKES IN F2 CARS
- 6 pistons monobloc callipers by Brembo
- Carbone Industry carbon-carbon brake discs and pads
WHEELS AND TYRES OF F2 CARS
- Racing magnesium rims by O.Z
- Front-wheel dimension: 18 inches by 12 inch
- Rear-wheel dimension: 18 inches by 13.7 inch
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS)
- New 18 inches rims (2020 edition)
- F2 specific Pirelli slick/wet tyres
STEERING SYSTEM IN F2 CARS
- Pinion steering system and Non-assisted rack
- XAP steering wheel with dashboard, DRS paddles and clutch, marshalling & VSC display, and gear change
CAMERA EQUIPMENT IN F2 CARS
- Face shot camera pre-equipment, a camera on roll hoop, and on nose cone
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF FORMULA 2
The FIA ensures all rules and regulations are followed in every motorsport event. Everybody involved in the event is fully aware of the rules and how things should proceed.
There are a few protocols that need to be followed for an event to be considered a fair one.
Here are the details about the rules, regulations, and formats followed in F2 racing.
WEEKEND FORMAT
One qualifying session of 30 minutes and a free practice session of 45 minutes is kept on a Friday.
On Saturday, one sprint race takes place. It is for 120 kilometres or 45 minutes, whichever comes first.
Ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, a feature race takes place on Sunday. It is for 170 kilometres or 60 minutes, whichever comes first.
There is a compulsory pitstop in the feature race and all four tyres must be changed there.
During the feature race, if the driver has used wet-weather tyres, it is required they use at least one set of each specification of dry-weather tyres.
In the lead-up to every round, a schedule is released to determine the timings of each session.
STARTING GRIDS IN FORMULA 2
Starting grid is the paved area adjacent to the racing track. The vehicles line up in the area before the race begins.
In the F2 Championship, Friday’s qualifying session results determine the starting grid for the feature race on Sunday.
The starting grid positions are determined by reversing the results of the top 10 performers of Friday’s qualifying round.
POINTS ATTRIBUTION IN FORMULA 2
The driver who takes the pole position after Friday’s qualification session gets 2 points.
In the sprint race, drivers who get the top eight positions are rewarded 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 points respectively.
For the feature race, the top 10 drivers are rewarded with 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points respectively.
In every race, the driver with the fastest lap time is rewarded 1 point. This point is only rewarded if the driver also finishes in the top 10.
TYRE ALLOCATION IN FORMULA 2
According to the sporting regulations, each driver in the race is allocated 5 sets of dry weather tyres every weekend. The five sets include 3 prime specifications and 2 option specifications sets. Additionally, each driver is also given 3 sets of wet-weather tyres.
DRS IN FORMULA 2
The Drag Reduction system is a type of driver-adjustable bodywork that reduces the aerodynamic drag to increase top speed and promote overtaking.
In Formula 2, drivers are allowed to use the DRS during practice and qualifying within the designated DRS zones. However, during both the next races, drivers can only use the DRS when they are less than a second away from the car in front of the detection point; that too in the DRS designated zones only.
DRS is available to use after two laps. If there are poor weather conditions or yellow flags in the designated DRS zones, the race director has the right to decide otherwise.
The same DRS zones as Formula 1 are used for all circuits on the calendar.
Safety rules are the same as in Formula 1. DRS is disabled the first time a driver uses brakes after activation and at the end of designated DRS zones.
No individual developments or upgrades are allowed and all spare parts must be brought directly from F2 championship organisers.
All the repairs to structural components should be carried out by Dallara – a notable car manufacturer. This is done to ensure integrity.
THE SAFETY MEASURES AND VALUES OF FORMULA 2
The aim of Formula 2 racing was to become the breeding ground for young and talented individuals in the field. F2 presents competition of the highest level to select the most talented drivers who are ready to compete in Formula 1 racing.
Formula 2 racing comprises 5 core values to ensure fair competition and pave the way for young talent to showcase their skills.
The 5 core values are:
PERFORMANCE
Formula 2 is the only junior-level competition in motorsports that comes close to the level of Formula 1. The lap times, turbocharged engines and switch to 18-inch tyres increase the competitiveness of the competition and bring the best out of the participants.
COST CONTROL
Formula 2 aims at producing talented drivers without any financial restrictions holding them back. To ensure this, the F2 teams operate at a budget of almost 2% that is required to run a formula 1 team.
Furthermore, advancements and modifications in F2 are made with a keen eye on how the spending would affect the overall cost of the team.
ENTERTAINMENT
F2 aims to provide a complete entertainment package to the viewers. With races on the same tracks as F1 and on the same weekends, the championship never fails to enthral the audience.
Additionally, three races per weekend, compulsory pit stops, reverse grids, prime and option tyres, and 22 identical cars add more attraction to the championship.
SAFETY
The F2 championship ensures that top-of-the-line safety standards are met. F2 uses the same safety standards and safety equipment used in F1 racing. Formula 2 cars include the Titanium Halo head protection system used in F1 and anti-intrusion panels. The HANS device is also compulsory for drivers to wear.
PREPARATION
Formula 2, which was a replacement for GP2, had huge shoes to fill and it lived up to the expectations. The FIA is aware of the top-quality training the riders need to be able to compete in the championship.
No fewer than 8 drivers have made it to the top F1 championship from these circuits. To further strengthen the training and preparations, in 2019, half of the grid consisted of graduates of GP2 and F2, including a 6-time F1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton.
This speaks volumes of the efforts FIA puts into its preparation program.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN F1, F2, AND F3
F1, F2, and F3 are all types of motorsports racing. The main difference between the three leagues is the level of competition. F1 is the biggest and most competitive championship, followed by F2 and then F3.
There is also a difference between the cars used, format, schedules, and team size.
F1 has the most advanced cars and modifications. F2 and F3 have less advanced cars with no room for modifications. F2 and F3 are the levels a driver passes before being promoted to the F1 level.
FORMULA 2 CALENDAR 2022
Following are the details on F2 rounds taking place in 2022 along with their circuit locations:
Rounds held:
- Round 1 – 18th to 20th March – Sakhir, Bahrain
- Round 2 – 25th to 27th March – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Round 3 – 22nd to 24th April – Imola, Italy
- Round 4 – 20th to 22nd May – Barcelona, Spain
- Round 5 – 26th to 29th May – Monte Carlo, Monaco
- Round 6 – 10th to 12th June – Baku, Azerbaijan
Rounds to be held:
- Round 7 – 1st to 3rd July – Silverstone, Great Britain
- Round 8 – 8th to 10th July – Spielberg, Austria
- Round 9 – 22nd to 24th July – Le Castellet, France
- Round 10 – 29th to 31st July – Budapest, Hungary
- Round 11 – 26th to 28th August – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
- Round 12 – 2nd to 4th September – Zandvoort, Netherlands
- Round 13 – 9th to 11th September – Monza, Italy
- Round 14 – 18th to 20th November – Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
This was everything about Formula 2 racing. If you are into formula racing, go through out detailed guide on the 2022 F1 Grand Prix Season.
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Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for information on ongoing motorsports events and much more.
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