It is now less than two months until the lights go out for the first Formula 3 race of the season. Like every year, curiosity about the return of activity to the track grows by the day.
However, this year the fans’ passion is intertwined with the impatience of Dallara’s engineers, who are anxious to finally see the fruit of their hard work on the track.
The new single-seater was unveiled during last year’s Monza weekend and is ready to make its debut this season. In fact, it brings a lot of innovations on different aspects, including – as confirmed by the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem – a special note on inclusivity.
In between security and innovation
The partnership between Dallara and F3 has been going on since 2010, the year in which the first GP3 race took place. Therefore, it’s obvious that the main technical partner is still very much appreciated.
Another aspect confirmed is the engine: the naturally aspirated Mecachrome V6 will remain the main propeller.
It is exactly here that we can see the innovation. The 380 horsepower will in fact be put out starting from a 100% sustainable fuel, given by Aramco which is the same that will also be used in Formula 2.
“This demonstrates our commitment to working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motorsports, whilst simultaneously promoting innovation.” Said the president of the FIA Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
There will also be modifications on the shifting gears. Their development is now in the hands of 3Mo and not Hewland anymore.
New tyres
Another big innovation concerns the introduction of the new 16 inch tyres. They will be a substitute for the existing 13 inch ones. This represents an important change from a mechanical point of view of the vehicle. It will be fundamental for the teams to totally understand its operation in order to have an immediate advantage on the opponents.
It’s also been decided to aim for sustainability. The new covers will have the FSC certificate, a brand recognized and acknowledged on international level for forest protection and its products.
Reviews for aerodynamics
For aerodynamics, F2 and F1 share a design approach. The front wing is simplified to improve airflow and enhance close racing. Venturi channels underneath generate ground effect, but not excessively.
This will inevitably weigh heavily on the setups so it will be essential for the teams to find the right balance as soon as possible.
The rear wing maintains the DRS. It remains with a more traditional and less “rounded” design compared to F2 and F1, with a clear distinction between the mainplane and the lateral endplates.
Improvements on safety
Big innovations have been made on security. The cells have been stiffened to comply with more stringent standards and now also feature anti-intrusion cones to better absorb lateral impacts.
In addition to the increased rigidity, the new single-seaters feature another rather important innovation. They can now accommodate a wider “range” of drivers, up to 1.90 meters tall. Also the force needed to steer has been revised. All this, as explained by Ben Sulayem, to ensure greater “inclusivity”.
All these changes will require slightly larger and heavier cars than the previous ones. At the same time when it comes to driver safety, we’re sure no one will have a say in this.
The first example performed a shakedown on Dallara’s “home” circuit in Varano, last June with Tatiana Calderon at the wheel. Since then, about 2000 km of testing have been completed.
The teams received the first chassis in December, while the other two should be delivered these days.
And if the balance of power were to be shaken up as much as in Formula 2 last year, we can expect a truly explosive year.
Shakedown
The first example performed a shakedown on Dallara’s “home” circuit in Varano, last June – with Tatiana Calderon at the wheel – and the teams received the first chassis in December.
The car then made its first official appearence in the pre-season tests in Barcelona from 19-21 February and, despite its youth, has already demonstrated an excellent level of competitiveness. Definitely a promising start when compared to the old category car.
And if the balance of power were to be shaken up as much as in Formula 2 this season, we can expect a truly explosive year.
