Chloe Chambers and Sophia Flörsch test F2 and F3 improvements

The drivers Sophia Flörsch, currently in Formula 3, and Chloe Chambers, a driver from the F1 Academy, recently tested Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars at Silverstone. These tests, conducted on July 12 and 13, will help define more accessible configurations to open up motorsport to a larger number of drivers. An opportunity for women to make their debut in the discipline.

Sophia Flörsch was behind the wheel of the F2 2024 in which she was able to complete 96 laps. For the occasion, she tried two settings that could make their appearance in the championship. "The purpose of the test was to allow Chloe and me to try out the Formula 2 and 3 cars, especially concerning the steering effort. The FIA and the F1 group aim to make these championships more accessible to a larger number of drivers," she commented. "Personally, I preferred the stiffer steering rack because it is much more direct and allows me to be more aggressive in fast corners, which is crucial for getting aerodynamic grip. Generally, as a driver, we don't focus much on the steering effort, so I learned a lot during these two days," she added.

In addition to the tests on the steering, the two drivers had the opportunity to try several tires during long runs on the track. "We also tested different tire compounds, which also affects the steering effort," continued Sophia Flörsch after her tests. "We did long runs, where the effort becomes easier as the laps go by. In the end, I found a setup that I liked, offering a good balance between effort and car control, while allowing me to be aggressive and have confidence to push."

On her side, Chloe Chambers was at the wheel of a 2019 hybrid Formula 3. Modified for the occasion, the single-seater was supposed to mimic the behavior of vehicles from 2025. The young American driver completed 97 laps on the track which allowed her to provide feedback on the new features of the single-seater. « The aim was to get used to the car and to give my opinion on the handling, the weight of the steering, the balance, and other aspects to improve for the next generation," Chambers said about the two days of testing. « This process is crucial to make our sport more accessible to all those who aspire to Formula 1. Although it's just a beginning, I believe that these tests are a positive step and can make a big difference. I completed many laps in different conditions and with various tires, and I hope that my feedback and the data collected will be useful to make the cars as accessible as possible," she concluded.

Sophia Flörsch and Chloe Chambers' feedback, along with the collected data, will play an important role in setting up the adjustments for F2 and F3 cars in 2025. An advancement that will certainly make driving easier for aspiring drivers.