The FIA Formula 2 Championship bid farewell to its long-serving Dallara-built F2 2018 chassis, as it welcomed a bold new car built by Italian manufacturer Dallara. This new car boasts radically revamped aerodynamics in an effort to enhance racing and improve safety. With the first season of the new car underway, teams have had the opportunity to test it extensively, preparing for the upcoming races.
Ahead of the first round in Bahrain on 1-2 March, the teams recently had their first machines delivered and were permitted to use one car for a shakedown. During the six hours of track running, a total of 649 laps were completed, with each team having the chance to test the new car’s performance. The driver who completed the most laps was Prema rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with an impressive 53 tours.
F2’s technical director, Pierre-Alain Michot, expressed satisfaction with the shakedown, stating, “The purpose of this shakedown was for the teams to understand how the new car operates, to make sure that all systems are working fine together and to understand how everything behaves.” Michot considered the shakedown to be a good first step, as the teams were able to accumulate significant mileage and familiarize themselves with the car’s nuances.
For Michot, witnessing the cars on track for the first time was “quite an emotional moment.” However, he reassured everyone that the cars performed as expected, with no red flags reported. Although there are still a few adjustments to be made, Michot emphasized that this is a normal part of the process.
The presence of eleven different teams with their unique ways of working allows for a deeper understanding of the car. Michot highlighted the opportunity for learning, saying, “This enables us to learn even more about this car.” By identifying areas for improvement during the shakedown, the teams can make the necessary adjustments before the first official test session and the start of the season.
ART Grand Prix driver Victor Martins praised the new car, stating that the feeling hadn’t changed significantly compared to the previous model. This consistency gives him confidence in his ability to perform well in the upcoming season. Martins also reported no reliability issues during the shakedown, describing it as “a very positive start.” The focus during the shakedown was on checking the aerodynamics, as it is the most significant change compared to the previous car. Additionally, teams worked on setting up the car in preparation for the Bahrain race. The primary goal was to develop and test different aspects systematically without causing any damage to the car.
As the FIA Formula 2 Championship embraces the new era with its revamped car, excitement permeates the paddock. The extensive testing and shakedown provide valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. The teams are diligently working to make the necessary adjustments before the first official test session and the highly anticipated racing season. With a focus on racing and safety enhancements, the new car promises to deliver exhilarating competition and showcase the talent of the emerging drivers in the motorsport world.
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