Dallara F2 2018

Dallara F2 2018
Artem Markelov driving an F2 2018
at the Red Bull Ring
Category FIA Formula 2
Constructor Dallara
Designer(s) Luca Pignacca
Andrea Toso
Predecessor Dallara GP2/11
Technical specifications[1]
Chassis Carbon fibre monocoque with honeycomb structure
Suspension (front) Pushrod operated double steel wishbones with twin dampers and torsion bars suspension
Suspension (rear) Pushrod operated double steel wishbones with twin dampers and spring suspension
Length 5,224 mm (206 in)
Width 1,900 mm (75 in)
Height 1,097 mm (43 in)
Wheelbase 3,135 mm (123 in)
Engine Mecachrome 3.4 L (207 cu in) V6 engine with 95° cylinder bank and single turbocharger, longitudinally mounted in a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout
Transmission Hewland semi-automatic sequential gearbox with six forward (and one reverse) speeds
Power 620 hp (462 kW)
Weight 720 kg (1,587 lb)
Fuel Elf LMS unleaded (101.6 RON)
Lubricants Elf HTX 840
Brakes Carbon Industrie carbon brake discs with Brembo six-piston calipers and pads
Tyres Pirelli P Zero (dry) and Pirelli Cinturato (wet) tyres
O.Z. racing wheels
Competition history
Debut 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship, Bahrain round

The Dallara F2 2018 (originally known as the Dallara F2/18)[2] is an open-wheel racing car developed by Italian manufacturer Dallara for use in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, a feeder series for Formula One. The F2 2018 is the second car used by the FIA Formula 2 Championship and was introduced for the 2018 championship as a replacement for the aging Dallara GP2/11 chassis.[3] It is planned to remain in service until the end of 2020 season.[4] As the Formula 2 Championship is a spec series, the F2 2018 is raced by every team and driver competing in the series.

Design

Chassis

The design of the car incorporates a lower nose, wider and lower rear wing and a more narrow front wing compared to the Dallara GP2/11 as the series adopts regulations more aesthetically in line with Formula One. The "shark fin" engine cover—a carbon fibre panel extending backwards from the engine cowling—was retained but its profile was lowered.[5] While most of the car's mechanical parts were developed specifically for the F2 2018, the car continued to use the same tyres, fuel tank and brakes as the GP2/11.[6]

The design also features the "halo" cockpit protection device, a wishbone-shaped frame mounted to the monocoque designed to deflect debris away from a driver's head in the event of an accident.[4]

Engine package

The F2 2018 features a brand-new engine package built specifically for the car. The aging Mecachrome 4,000 cc (244 cu in) V8 naturally-aspirated engine—which had been used since the inaugural season of the GP2 Series—was replaced by a 3,400 cc (207 cu in) V6 turbocharged direct-injected engine developed by Mecachrome Motorsport.[7] During the car's shakedown and preliminary testing phase at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, drivers noted that the change from natural aspiration to a turbocharger meant that the F2 2018 required a different driving style to its predecessor, the GP2/11,[8] as the turbocharger produced more torque and thus required the driver to exercise greater control over the throttle.[9]

Development

The F2 2018 went through a development programme after its début, with the car's launch control being the initial focus. The software of the electronic control unit was rewritten, introducing a new throttle map in a bid to prevent the car from stalling.[10] The issue was attributed to difficulty in finding the bite point, or the point where the clutch engaged with the driveline to launch the car.[11] Further updates were introduced to the car in June 2018 that were aimed at improving reliability and making the car easier to start.[12][13]

Controversy

The car gained a reputation as being difficult to drive as the turbocharged engine required a more delicate touch on the throttle than the GP2/11. The opening five rounds of the 2018 championship saw several drivers stalling on the starting grid, prompting criticism of the design, led by drivers Artem Markelov, Lando Norris and George Russell.[14][15][16][17] The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile—the governing body of motorsport—also expressed concerns, with race director Charlie Whiting regularly examining the system.[11] With no apparent solution to the problems, Norris expressed concerns that the stalling issue would ultimately settle the drivers' championship title,[16] while Arjun Maini suggested that it was causing irreparable damage to their careers.[18] Further criticism was also directed at reliability issues that prevented drivers from starting races.[17] Series organiser Bruno Michel acknowledged that the car had too many problems at its launch,[19] but argued that the introduction of the F2 2018 was necessary in light of the obsolete GP2/11 chassis,[12] a view shared by team principals.[20] The series introduced rolling starts as a temporary solution to the problem.[21] The changes were introduced as the 2018 calendar featured three rounds over three consecutive weeks, making the introduction of a lasting solution difficult.[22] Drivers expressed disappointment with the decision to use rolling starts, but also noted its necessity on safety grounds. A start-line accident in a Formula 3 race saw Ameya Vaidyanathan, starting from the eleventh row of the grid, crash into the stationary car of Dan Ticktum after Ticktum stalled, prompting concerns of a similar accident happening in Formula 2.[23]

References

  1. ↑ "F2 2018 unveiled in Monza". fiaformula2.com. FIA Formula 2 Championship. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  2. ↑ "F2 reveals new car, confirms halo from 2018". speedcafe.com. Speedcafe. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  3. ↑ Khorounzhiy, Valentin (16 December 2016). "GP2 aiming for V6 switch, but not wider tyres for 2018 car". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  4. 1 2 "New F2 car revealed, to feature halo device". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  5. ↑ Kalinauckas, Alex. "F2 boss reveals details of 2018 car". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  6. ↑ Kalinauckas, Alex (20 July 2017). "Further details of next-generation F2 car revealed". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  7. ↑ Noble, Jonathan (24 November 2015). "Exclusive: Mecachrome applies for Formula 1 engine tender". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
  8. ↑ "Fruitful shakedown for new F2 2018 car". fiaformula2.com. FIA Formula 2 Championship. 14 February 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  9. ↑ Kalinauckas, Alex. "Turbocharged new Formula 2 car for 2018 requires new driving style". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  10. ↑ Benyon, Jack (11 May 2018). "Formula 2 car start fix introduced, drivers say it's 'very tricky'". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  11. 1 2 Mitchell, Scott; Benyon, Jack (16 May 2018). "FIA wants F2 start fix assurance before clutch system use in Monaco". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  12. 1 2 Benyon, Jack (7 June 2018). "Formula 2 boss defends the decision to introduce 2018 car". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  13. ↑ Benyon, Jack (28 June 2018). "Formula 2 'working day and night' to fix new 2018 car". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  14. ↑ Khorounzhiy, Valentin. "New 2018 Formula 2 car should have been delayed - Artem Markelov". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  15. ↑ Benyon, Jack (24 June 2018). "Paul Ricard F2: De Vries and Prema win, new car problems continue". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  16. 1 2 Benyon, Jack (24 June 2018). "Lando Norris: 'Really bad' new car issues will decide F2 title". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  17. 1 2 Benyon, Jack (26 June 2018). "Mercedes F1 junior Russell 'fears' F2 car problems in every session". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  18. ↑ Vinel, Benjamin; Klein, Jamie (24 June 2018). "Formula 2 car problems 'killing' careers - Haas F1 junior Maini". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  19. ↑ Benyon, Jack (6 June 2018). "Formula 2 boss Bruno Michel: 2018 car had too many early problems". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  20. ↑ Benyon, Jack (28 June 2018). "Team bosses call for calm over F2 car start and throttle problems". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  21. ↑ Benyon, Jack (29 June 2018). "Rolling safety car starts for Red Bull Ring, Silverstone F2 races". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  22. ↑ Herrero, Dan (30 June 2018). "Rolling starts for F2 due to clutch issues". speedcafe.com. Speedcafe. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  23. ↑ Benyon, Jack (30 June 2018). "The real reason Formula 2 has switched to rolling starts". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
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