Formula 2 - Temporada 2009

Contents:

2. Introduction
3. The F2 Car
4. Engines
5. Tyres
6. Fuel
7. Mechanics
8. Race Engineering
9. Race Car Data
10. Set Up
11. Preparation and maintenance of the F2 car before and in between Race
12. Transportation of the F2 cars
13. Operation at Tests
14. Operation at Race Events
15. Operation during Sessions
16. Race Pit Stops


2. Introduction

This F2 Operational Protocol is designed to set out the key practical elements of the Championship. The Championship is governed by the FIA and in particular the International Sporting Code, the Sporting Regulations and the Technical Regulations, and this Operational Protocol is to be used in the context of the relevant FIA regulations. It is subject to change in line with the FIA regulations, and in line with the evolution of the Championship over time.

3. The F2 Car

3.1 The F2 car is designed by Williams F1 featuring ground effect aerodynamics and includes a sophisticated composite survival cell complying with the 2005 F1 safety regulations. It is powered by an Audi 1.8 litre turbo engine with a target 400bhp on standard boost and 450bhp on overboost. The transmission is a 6 speed Hewland unit with paddle shift.

3.2 All F2 cars will include standard components that will be identical within specified tolerances.

3.3 All F2 cars will be of identical weight +/- 2kg and ballasted to a standard Driver weight of 80kg (including all race wear and Driver safety equipment). The positioning of any ballast will be determined exclusively by F2 with the objective of minimising any weight distribution change from the norm for Drivers who require no ballast. In any event no F2 Car shall have a weight distribution that differs by greater than +/- 0.5% from the average.

3.4 Drivers’ cars will be painted in the colour of their choice providing notification is received according to the date stipulated by F2.

4. Engines

4.1 The engines on all cars will have identical power within 1.5% of the target which is set at 400bhp.

4.2 The engines feature an overboost facility actuated by a steering wheel button which increases maximum power by 50bhp for a duration as specified on the Set-Up Sheet, typically six seconds. Overboost may not be used except in the second Practice Session and in each of the Races, when the number of shots will be specified on the Set-Up Sheet but typically eight shots are available for Races and four available for Tests.

4.3 The engines have a design life before rebuild of well in excess of a season’s use so are not scheduled for a rebuild before the end of the season.

4.4 Maintaining engine parity within a very close tolerance that will make no significant difference to the cars’ performance throughout the season is one of the most important criteria of the Championship.

4.5 There may be occasions during the season when a car’s engine needs to be replaced. If so it will be replaced by one that has been subject to a similar level of use so as to maintain parity with the other cars.

4.6 To achieve this, a pool of spare engines will be rotated through the F2 Cars after each Event or every other Event (depending on the Event schedule). This will ensure that that there is minimal difference in usage levels between those engines in the F2 Cars and the spare engines at any given time.

4.7 In the event that additional spare engines are required, which will not have been rotated through the field, other methods will be employed to ensure engine parity within tolerance. No Driver, for example, will benefit from a higher performing new engine to replace their own engine at any stage in the season.

5. Tyres

5.1 All F2 cars will use identical specification tyres.

5.2 At each Event a total of four sets of dry weather tyres may be used. For the first day of the Event, Drivers will have the following tyres available:

(a) Two used sets, as chosen by the Driver from the final pool of three sets of dry tyres chosen at the previous Event or Test, whichever is the most recent

(b) One new set At the end of the first day of the Event the Driver must discard one set of used tyres. For the remainder of the Event, he will then have available:

(c) One used set from the first day of the Event

(d) One set that was new for the first day of the Event which the Driver may or may not have used

(e) One new set

5.3 At each Event wet weather tyres will be available as follows:

For the first and second day the Driver will have available and may use:

(a) One used set, selected by the Driver from the final pool of two sets of wet weather tyres used at the previous Event, or if no wet weather tyres were used at the previous Event, the previously nominated used set will be carried forward

(b) One new set For the third day the Driver will have available and may use:

(c) Tyres as permitted for the first and second day, or

(d) If the new set of wet weather tyres was used in Race 1 the Driver shall have a second new set of wet weather tyres for Race 2 and these shall replace four tyres of the Driver’s choice from the used and new sets permitted for the first and second day In the unlikely event that the Driver has no used wet weather tyres that, in the opinion of the F2 Chief Engineer, are in a satisfactory condition to be safely used for the following Event, the F2 Chief Engineer will select substitute used wet weather tyres from the F2 stock to be the used set to be carried forward.

Wet weather tyres may not be used in any Practice Session, Qualifying Session or Race unless that Session is officially declared wet.

5.4 All dry weather tyres will be of the same compound and construction as will wet weather tyres, unless any change is necessary in which case it will be implemented fairly to all Drivers. If any change of tyre specification occurs, the new specification must be used exclusively from that point forward. The arrangements in relation to used tyres will be specified in such circumstances.

5.5 All tyres will be allocated at random to Drivers by the FIA Technical Delegate.

5.6 In the event of any tyre damage requiring replacement, the tyre must be replaced with another from the Driver’s currently nominated three sets at the choice of the Driver and his F2 Race Engineer, except that on one occasion in every two Race Events a Driver may be supplied with one new tyre subject to the FIA Technical Delegate accepting the F2 Race Engineer’s recommendation that it should be replaced.

5.7 Tyres may not be turned on the rims but may be swapped from side to side with reversal of direction of rotation.

6. Fuel

6.1 All F2 Cars will use fuel supplied by F2. At each Event there will be a designated identical batch of fuel from which fuel to all F2 Cars will be supplied.

6.2 Prior to each Practice Session, Qualifying Session and Race all F2 cars will be refuelled to exactly the same level to promote equal operating weights.

6.3 No refuelling will be permitted during any Session.

7. Mechanics

7.1 All Mechanics will have substantial experience and will undergo specialist training on the F2 Car and its operation.

7.2 Drivers are welcome to recommend mechanics and F2 will give due consideration to such recommendations but the appointment of Mechanics will be for F2 to make at its sole discretion and on its normal terms of engagement.

7.3 The Driver’s Mechanic will remain dedicated to the Driver’s F2 Car throughout the season, to the extent that it is in the reasonable control of F2.

8. Race Engineering

8.1 F2 will have a number of Race Engineers, who are each responsible for three Drivers and who report to the F2 Chief Engineer.

8.2 All Race Engineers will have substantial experience in race car engineering.

8.3 All Race Engineers will undergo a comprehensive training programme during which they will work with an official F2 test Driver and the car designers to gain experience of the response of the F2 Car to all permitted changes.

8.4 The Race Engineers will rotate to a new group of three Drivers for each Event, in order to optimise fairness.

8.5 Drivers are not prohibited from bringing other technical personnel to Events and Tests if they wish to do so, including a race engineer. However any such other personnel will not be permitted to work on the car at any time or communicate with the Driver during Sessions. One person may however join the Driver at his official debriefs with his F2 Race Engineer. In Tests there is no restriction on Drivers communicating with other technical personnel.

8.6 At the start of every Event a rota will be provided to the Drivers showing the allocation of their Race Engineer’s time to them between Sessions. In order to provide a fair distribution of Race Engineer slots this will change for each Session and each Event. Following each Session, a 10 minute initial slot will be available first, to maximise the time to implement any set up change work. After the three initial 10 minute slots are taken the balance of the time before the next Session will be allocated between the Drivers by their Race Engineer.

8.7 The Race Engineer will plan each Practice Session and Qualifying Session to recommend a routine to spread out any pit stops for each of his three Drivers, to enable his immediate attention to be provided to each Driver on pitting.

8.8 In the event that more than one Driver is in the pits at the same time, the Race Engineer will allocate his time in the order that they pit with an initial maximum of approximately one minute spent with each Driver.

8.9 If a Driver pits during any Practice Session or Qualifying Session he can talk immediately to his Mechanic and request set up changes regardless of his Race Engineer’s availability.

8.10 The allocation of the three Drivers to a Race Engineer will be on a principle of having a fair spread of Driver performance, so the group would include a Driver broadly from the front, middle and back third of the field. The groups will be determined before the final Test from previous Test results. F2 reserves the right to make changes to group composition should exceptional circumstances prevail.

9. Race Car Data

9.1 After the end of each Test, Practice Session, Qualifying Session and Race, relevant F2 Personnel will download extensive data from all F2 Cars. Relevant data to assist the Driver may be downloaded by both the Driver to his own computer and his Race Engineer to his F2 computer soon after each Session. Such data will normally include:

Lap time Lap number Wheel speed
Engine rpm Gear selected Throttle position
Oil Temperature Turbo boost Water temperature
Oil pressure Steering angle Brake line pressure
Damper displacement Lateral G Longitudinal G

9.2 The Driver and his Race Engineer will also be able to download limited data for the fastest lap of the Session, normally including:

Car and Driver Lap time Lap number
Wheel speed Engine rpm Throttle position
Turbo boost

9.3 The Driver is free to share his data with anyone, should he choose to do so.

10. Set Up

10.1 Before each Event a Set-Up Sheet will be produced by the F2 Chief Engineer and approved by the FIA Technical Delegate. The Set-Up Sheet will specify the base line set up with which the F2 Car will leave the workshop by default. The Set-Up Sheet will also specify the permitted adjustments that may be made.

10.2 The Driver may request an alternative set up within the permitted adjustments prior to an Event provided he notifies the nominated F2 Personnel by a stipulated date.

10.3 The adjustments that may be made will change from time to time and will be finally confirmed following the Test programme with the objective of providing Drivers with the mechanism to establish a good mechanical and aerodynamic balance to their F2 Car.

10.4 The provisional permitted adjustments (within specified ranges) are:

Wing flap settings, front and rear Ride heights, front and rear
Spring pre-load, front and rear Anti-roll bar setting front
Choice of rear anti-roll bars from the specified range Damping, bump and rebound, front and rear
Cambers, front and rear Tyre Pressures

Certain adjustments will be able to be made by the Driver from the cockpit.

10.5 Whilst the Race Engineer will advise and recommend, the ultimate choice of set up may be made by the Driver. Any instances where the Driver disagrees with the Race Engineer’s recommendation will be recorded.

10.6 All cars will have the same gear ratios for an Event. During an Event the F2 Chief Engineer may determine that a change in one or more gear ratio is necessary, in which case all F2 Cars will be changed at the same time to the re-specified ratio.

10.7 The F2 Personnel including Mechanics and Race Engineers will use reasonable endeavours to keep a Driver’s set up confidential at all times. Race Engineers may not disclose the set up used by any Driver to another Driver. Race Engineers will suggest changes based on the handling problems his Driver reports and his experience of helpful solutions.

11. Preparation and maintenance of the F2 Car before and in between Events and Tests

11.1 All F2 Cars will be prepared and maintained centrally by F2.

11.2 Each F2 Car will be maintained to identical standards by a team of experienced and trained F2 mechanics working according to a strict preparation check lists and procedures. Only F2 Personnel will be permitted to work on the car.

11.3 Each mechanic is supervised by the F2 Chief Mechanic and F2 Team Manager.

11.4 During maintenance only standard parts from the central F2 stock may be fitted to the F2 Car.

11.5 After every Test and Event, the engine of every F2 Car including full data analysis will be carefully checked by skilled personnel from F2’s engine build and service contractor.

11.6 The F2 Cars will be prepared to very high standards, both mechanically and aesthetically. Any damaged components will be replaced and any damaged paintwork will be repainted; the costs of which will be the responsibility of the Driver up to the level of the insurance excess. The F2 Organisation will keep records of the livery of every car and keep spare graphics sets where possible.

11.7 Drivers, managers, family and friends are welcome to visit the Bedford Autodrome workshop at any time providing visits are arranged through the F2 Driver Co-ordinator.

12. Transportation of the F2 Cars

All F2 Cars will be transported to and from the circuits for Tests and Events by F2.

13. Operation at Tests

13.1 During Tests the circuit will be available exclusively to F2, which will be usually be divided into four sessions with a break between each during which car data will be downloaded and made available to the race engineers.

13.2 At each Test the Driver may complete a maximum of 300km.

13.3 At each Test the Driver will have available one set of used tyres selected by the Driver from the current nominated pool and two new sets of tyres.

13.4 Changes to the car set up may only be made in accordance with the relevant Test Set-Up Sheet.

13.5 The Driver is free to establish his own programme of changes and track use with his F2 Race Engineer.

13.6 Prior to the commencement of the Test the Race Engineer will agree a programme with the Driver.

13.7 There will be no restriction on the presence or involvement of a Driver’s additional technical personnel, except that only the Driver’s mechanic is permitted to work on the car and he shall only receive instructions from the Driver or the F2 Race Engineer.

14. Operation at Race Events

14.1 All F2 cars will normally be based in the F2 Race Village unless pit garages are being used. Each trailer in the F2 Race Village will have an awning on each side and there will be three cars per awning. Garage walling will be erected in each awning or pit garage if used which will include a stores and an office area for each three Drivers and their Race Engineer.

14.2 The garage walling will include the names of the Drivers and branding for their main sponsor, as well as F2 sponsor and supplier branding.

14.3 In the event that the workload is too much for the Driver’s own Mechanic, due to accident repair or mechanical problem rectification, further highly skilled mechanics from the F2 FIRST (Fast Incident Repair Super Team) will be deployed according to the F2 Team Manager’s directions.

14.4 Providing that a Mechanic has completed all work required on his own car to the satisfaction of a Driver’s Race Engineer, in exceptional circumstances a Driver’s Mechanic may be required by his engineer to work on another car to assist the FIRST. In the event that further work is required on the Mechanic’s own car, at the request of the Driver’s Race Engineer he shall return immediately to complete such work.

14.5 Only F2 Personnel may work on the F2 Cars at any time.

14.6 Any personnel associated with the Driver may be in the Driver’s garage. No personnel associated with a Driver should be in another Driver’s garage unless expressly invited.

15. Operation during Sessions

15.1 During any Session only the Driver’s Mechanic and Race Engineer may communicate with the Driver from the time the Session starts until it either ends or the Driver declares to his Race Engineer or mechanic he is taking no further part in it.

15.2 Up to one person associated with the Driver may be on the pit wall during Sessions.

15.3 No car to pit radio systems may be used. The Driver and Race Engineer only may use an intercom system.

16. Race Pit Stops

16.1 In Race one or Race two there may be a mandatory pit stop. This will be advised on the event Set-Up Sheet.

16.2 At this pit stop any work desired by the Driver may be carried out including tyre changes but except re-fuelling.

16.3 During the mandatory pit stop the Driver must stop the F2 Car and keep it stationary at the required position for a minimum of 10 seconds. This period will commence when the car is stationary in the stipulated position and the Driver pushes a steering wheel mounted button to start the timer.

16.4 When the 10 seconds have elapsed the dash display will flash [> 10 sec !] and if work has been completed the Driver may leave the pits. His mechanic will hold a lollipop sign saying either [traffic], advising of close pit lane traffic, or [Clear]. When to leave is the Driver’s choice.

16.5 If the Driver allows the car to move before 10 seconds have elapsed he must undertake a drive through penalty, indicated by a flashing [Drive Thru Penalty!] on his dash display. This penalty will also be communicated to the race director via a flashing light on the car.

16.6 The Driver is responsible for choosing when to pit. The mandatory pit stop may not be taken before two laps have been completed during the relevant Race, or when the safety car is operational. If this rule is contravened a drive through penalty must be taken.

Rob Wickens set the pace in the first official test for the revived Formula 2 series at Snetterton today.

The Canadian driver set a best time of 59.433s in the afternoon session to beat fellow Red Bull protege Mirko Bortolotti by 0.168s. Although the cars had run in untimed shakedown tests yesterday, this was the first fully-fledged group practice day for the new Williams-designed F2 machines.

"It was a good reward and a good way to end the first test day of testing, but ultimately it's only the first day of a long season," said Wickens.

"I really enjoyed it and I felt very comfortable in the car. The competition is very tight. I was surprised at one point when I was only three tenths off the best time, but I was way down in the overall positions. It's definitely what you can expect from the whole season and I think it should be good."

Bortolotti was pleasantly surprised to be as high as second, having taken a conservative approach to the day.

"To be honest I just wanted to learn the car and track today so I wasn't focused on times, but when I saw that I was second I was really pleased," said the Italian Formula 3 champion.

Alex Brundle completed the top three, ahead of GP2 convert Andy Soucek and Phillip Eng. Soucek had been quickest in the morning session, followed by Eng and Milos Pavlovic.

After a further group test at Silverstone later this month, the championship commences at Valencia on 29-31 May.

Por cierto alguien sabe de alguna web o television por donde se puede ver la F2.

Te habras quedado agusto.

Pero la verdad es que desgraciadamente tienes razon.

MODO CABRÓN ON

La Fórmula 2 es una mierda envuelta bajo dos marcas como Williams y Audi: pilotos a cuatro segundos de la pole, Javis Villa en potencia tras fracasar en World Series o GP2, o peor, camino de "hacerse un Borja García" (Dícese de quien va encontrando huecos de mierda que lo único que hacen es ensuciar tu nombre hasta acabar luchando por octavos puestos en competiciones americanas de mala muerte), campeones de F3 menores humillados por completos desconocidos, o que se vienen abajo sin la superioridad mecánica de estar en un buen equipo, hijos de papá buscando minutos de televisión... Nada, al menos veremos muchos accidentes y trompos

MODO CABRÓN OFF

Desde lo Katherine Legge yo contigo ya no discuto, jejejjejejej.

Por cierto... está todo muy bien dicho, salvo lo que he puesto en cursiva. Si es monomarca... lo siento mucho, pero si alguien se viene abajo es por manos... y cuando digo manos me refiero a lo que todos sabemos: pilotaje+puesta a punto. Desconozco las posibilidades de puesta a punto que tienen estos F2 (por ejemplo está claro que la GP2 admite muchísimas posibilidades, a la vista está). Definitivamente si tan triste es el campeonato... los pilotos buenos que haya tienen que darles p'al pelo a todos. Luego que no les sirva para hacer currículum, pues vale, en eso estoy totalmente de acuerdo.

Precisamente... Menudos supercampeones de F3 si luego llegan completos desconocidos de la Formula Palmer Audi y se los follan, no crees???

Lastima que no he podido ver la carrera entera solo he visto las 7 ultimas vueltas, y aunque Eloy no este de acuerdo conmigo resulta que esta nueva formula me ha gustao, jejejjeje.
Qha pasado con Soucek..... si pudierais colgar la clasificacion completa os lo agradeceria.
Por cierto Karjalainen compitio el año pasao en Gp2 1 par de carreras con el equipo BCN no??? resuelveme esta duda, y ya que estamos de que me puede sonar a mi el piloto Nicola de Marco.