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FIA Formula 4, also called FIA F4, is an open-wheel racing car category intended for junior drivers. There is no global championship, but rather individual nations or regions can host their own championships in compliance with a universal set of rules and specifications.
Contents
- Homologated chassis manufacturers
- Homologated engines
- FIA Formula 4 Championships
- French F4 Championship
- Formula STCC Nordic
- Formula 4 Sudamericana
- JAF Japan Formula 4
- BRDC Formula 4 Championship
- References
The category was created by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)—the International sanctioning and administrative body for motorsport—as an entry-level category for young drivers, bridging the gap between karting and Formula 3. The series is a part of the FIA Global Pathway. Former Formula One driver Gerhard Berger was appointed as the FIA Single-Seater Commission president to oversee the creation of the category as a response to declining interest in national Formula 3 championships due to rising costs and alternate pathways to Formula One such as the Formula Renault and GP2 and GP3 Series, which had seen several national Formula 3 championships cancelled. In the place of the expensive categories, a number of separate categories running under the Formula 4 name have been created—British based the former BRDC Formula 4—but with no commonality between the cars from country to country. The FIA-endorsed category was formally created in March 2013, when it was approved by the World Motor Sport Council.
The first Formula 4 championships started in 2014 as a single-make category before the regulations were opened up to multiple chassis and engine manufacturers. Each championship uses a single make of engine, with the regulations mandating a 1,600 cc (1.6 L) capacity and capping the maximum power output at 180 bhp (134.2 kW), higher than Formula Ford and lower than Formula Renault. The engines are equalised so that no one Formula 4 championship is faster than the others, with the long-term intention being to bring the cost down to under €100,000 per year to compete.
Homologated chassis manufacturers
To become an eligible FIA Formula 4, the chassis must meet the FIA homologation requirements respecting technical and commercial regulations. Four chassis manufacturers have been approved by the FIA: Tatuus, Mygale, Dome and Crawford.
Homologated engines
To become an eligible FIA Formula 4 engine, the engine must meet the homologation requirements. According to the homologation requirements a FIA Formula 4 engine must last at least 10,000 km and have a maximum purchasing price of €9,500. According to the FIA Formula 4 technical regulations only four cylinder engines are allowed. Both normally aspirated and turbocharged engines are permitted. The power output has been maximized at 160hp. The engine displacement is unlimited. Currently four engines are homologated for use in the FIA Formula 4.
FIA Formula 4 Championships
These championships are held to Formula 4 regulations and approved by the FIA as the national Formula 4 series. Drivers participating in these series can receive FIA Super Licence points, which are required to drive in Formula One.
French F4 Championship
The French F4 Championship is a Formula Renault series, aimed at graduates young drivers graduating from karting. The championship uses Formula Renault 1.6 Signatech cars, an entry level category, and is open to drivers between 14 and 21 years.
Formula STCC Nordic
The Formula STCC Nordic will debut in 2016, replacing the Formula Renault 1.6 Nordic. It uses Signatech chassis.
Formula 4 Sudamericana
The Formula 4 Sudamericana (Portuguese: Fórmula 4 Sul-Americana) is a Formula 4 racing class that debuted in 2014. The class uses the same Signatech chassis and Fiat engines used previously in the Brazilian-based Formula Future Fiat.
JAF Japan Formula 4
Japan Formula 4 is a formula racing series in Japan. The series was founded in 1993 by the Japan Automobile Federation as a class between the FJ1600 series and the All-Japan Formula Three Championship. Japanese Formula 4 is an open formula, where competitors can choose the chassis and engine manufacturers.
BRDC Formula 4 Championship
The BRDC Formula 4 Championship was an entry level motorsport series based in the United Kingdom which began in 2013. Run by the British Racing Drivers' Club and MotorSport Vision, the series used identical cars built by Ralph Firman Racing and engines from Ford, before switching to FIA Formula 4 regulations in 2015, using the Tatuus F4–T014 chassis. Although run to the FIA's regulations, it was not recognised by the FIA as an official Formula 4 championship. In 2016, the series was upgraded and renamed the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship.