F2: The veil is lifted on the 2018 single-seaters
The very first event of the Italian weekend, the antechamber of Formula 1 has unveiled this noon the new generation of Formula 2, on track from the next season.
Finally, Formula 2 is catching up! After six years of stagnation, here comes the first hybrid single-seater of the championship that supports Formula 1.
And for the occasion, four well-known figures from the paddock came together to lift the veil on the mystery surrounding the newborn. Thus, Ross Brawn and Charlie Whiting were present, as well as Mario Isola, head of competition at Pirelli, and Bruno Michel, promoter of Formula 2.
Essential information, the new car now brings together the latest technical and safety standards, developed in the past three and a half years in Formula 1. At the top of these innovations, the Halo will be included, just like in the premier category.
The first to speak, Charlie Whiting expressed his pride in the birth of the new baby: “The unveiling of the FIA Formula 2 2018 car is an important moment for the FIA. We are indeed completing the single-seater racing pyramid, from karting to the pinnacle of motor sport. The car has been developed on its aesthetic aspects, but above all on its safety level. We have thus brought the highest standard for single-seater racing, closest to a modern Formula 1. This F2 2018 is the ideal car for the next stage of our championship: providing a competitive car for the drivers, who hope to achieve their ultimate ambition: a place in Formula 1.”
On the development side, the car is already well-tested. After a successful shakedown at Magny-Cours last June, the development program will continue throughout the rest of 2017. Teams will have to wait until mid-January 2018 to take possession of the new machines.
Check out the official car reveal video#F2 pic.twitter.com/yDIQaCTWAK
— FIA Formula 2 (@FIA_F2) 31 August 2017
More technically, the new F2 remains faithful and will be equipped with a Mecachrome hybrid engine of 3.4 liters. Its base power will be 620 horses, rising to over 800 horses in qualifying mode.
The new car will be in effect for the next three seasons, at least.
As for the design, the resemblance to Formula 1 now appears obvious!
From our special correspondent in Monza.
