Paul Jeffrey
Premium
The Formula Two series have revealed a new car for 2018, mirroring the recent trend set by its F1 big brother in the sporting of a controversial ‘Halo’ design.
Marking the first time the series formally known as GP2 has released a brand new car since its inception in 2011, the new for next year vehicle has been designed to more closely mirror the new aerodynamic direction of Grand Prix racing.
Lower at the rear, more aggressive in design and of course featuring the highly dubious looking ‘Halo’ design, the new Formula Two car has certainly turned plenty of heads during its reveal at the Italian Monza Grand Prix circuit.
Designed once again by famed Italian manufacturer Dallara, the new for 2018 machine will be powered by the Renault derived Mecachrome unit for next year, with horsepower expected to exceed the 620HP mark from the new 2.4ltr turbocharged unit, maxing out a 8,750 rpm.
“Our focus has always been on providing a powerful, safe and challenging car which will encourage overtaking, and thanks to the new aerodynamics package we believe this car will both enhance racing and provide even more entertainment for our fans” said boss Bruno Michel of Formula Two.
Despite what is a visually appealing update to the new machines it is in no doubt that the inclusion of a halo device, something Formula One fans have been highly vocal about these past few months, that will cause the most noise from the general public.
Seen as the latest in a long line of safety improvements for open wheel motorsport, the halo looks likely to be filtered down to many of the FIA sanctioned open wheel categories in operation today.
“The car has been developed to include improved aesthetics, as well as bringing the safety level up to the highest standards for single-seater cars – and to ultimately bring it closer to a modern Formula 1 car on both of these points.” Said Charlie Whiting, FIA Formula One Race Director.
The car will make its public debut for the 2018 Formula Two season.
Dimensions
Overall length: 5224 mm (was 5065mm)
Overall width: 1900 mm (unchanged)
Overall height: 1097 mm including FOM roll hoop camera (was 1072 mm)
Wheelbase: 3135 mm (was 3120mm)
Overall weight: 720 kg (driver on-board)
Engine
V6 3.4 litre single turbo charged Mecachrome engine
Rated to 620 HP @ 8750 rpm
Fly by wire accelerator system
Rebuild after 8000 km
Maximum Torque 600 Nm
Performances
Acceleration: 0 - 100 km/h, 2.90 sec
Acceleration: 0 - 200 km/h, 6.60 sec
Maximum speed: 335 km/h (Monza aero + DRS)
Max. braking deceleration -3.5 G
Max. lateral acceleration +/- 3.9 G
Safety standards
Full FIA F1 2017 safety standards
Halo F1 specification
Monocoque and Bodywork
Survival cell - Sandwich Carbon/aluminium honeycomb structure made by Dallara
Front and rear wing - Carbon structures made by Dallara
Bodywork - Carbon - Kevlar honeycomb structures made by Dallara
DRS
Same functionality of DRS used in Formula One
Hydraulic activation
Gearbox
6-speed longitudinal Hewland sequential gearbox
Electro-hydraulic command via paddle shift from steering wheel
ZF SACHS Carbon clutch
No on-board starter, anti-stall system
Non hydraulic ramp differential
Fuel cell
FIA Standard
Premier FT5 125 litres
Electronic features
Magneti Marelli SRG 480 ECU/GCU including data logging system
Magneti Marelli PDU 12-42 power supply management unit
CAN data acquisition pre-equipment
Beacon receiver
Suspension
Double steel wishbones, pushrod operated, twin dampers and torsion bars suspension (F) and spring suspension (R)
Adjustable ride height, camber and toe
Two way (F) / Four way (R) adjustable Koni dampers
Adjustable anti-roll bar (Front/Rear)
Brakes
6 pistons monobloc Brembo calipers
TBC carbon-carbon brake discs and pads
Wheels and tyres
F1 2016 standard wheel dimensions
O.Z. Racing
Magnesium rims
13” x 12” front F1 2016 standard wheel dimensions
13” x 13.7” rear F1 2016 standard wheel dimensions
F2 specific Pirelli slick / wet tyres
Steering system
Non-assisted rack and pinion steering system
XAP steering wheel with dashboard, gear change and clutch paddles, marshalling & VSC display
Camera equipment
Roll hoop, nose cone and face shot camera pre-equipment.
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Like the new F2 car? Happy to see wider adoption of the Halo design? Let us know in the comments section below!
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