Formula 1’s main support championship bid farewell to its long-serving Dallara-built F2 2018 chassis at the end of last year. This marked the beginning of a new era for Formula 2, as the 2022 season introduced a radical and bold new car built by the Italian manufacturer, Dallara. The new car boasts a complete revamp of its aerodynamics, aiming to enhance racing and improve safety credentials. With these significant changes, the sport anticipates an exciting and competitive season ahead.
Successful Testing and Shakedown
The new car underwent extensive testing prior to the start of the season. In the capable hands of 2022 F2 champion Felipe Drugovich and Tatiana Calderon, the car completed close to 5,000km of testing across various tracks including Magny-Cours, Jerez, and Bahrain. Following the successful testing phase, each of the 11 teams received their first machines.
Recently, all teams were given the opportunity to participate in a shakedown, where they were permitted to use one car for testing purposes. Over the course of six hours, a total of 649 laps were completed. Prema rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli stood out with 53 tours, the most of any driver. F2 technical director Pierre-Alain Michot expressed satisfaction with the shakedown, stating it was a “good first step” to prepare for the upcoming season.
The purpose of the shakedown was twofold. Firstly, it allowed teams to gain an understanding of the new car’s operation and ensure that all systems were functioning optimally. Secondly, it provided an opportunity to assess the car’s behavior and make any necessary adjustments. Michot described it as an emotional moment to witness the cars on track for the first time. He further confirmed that there were no red flags during the shakedown, indicating that all cars performed as expected.
While Michot acknowledged that there are still minor adjustments to be made, he emphasized the value of having eleven teams with varied working methods. This diversity enables continuous learning and provides valuable insights into the new car. Furthermore, feedback from drivers has been positive. ART Grand Prix driver Victor Martins noted that the new car’s feeling remained consistent with its predecessor, instilling confidence in his ability to leverage his experience for the upcoming season.
One of the major changes in the new car lies in its aerodynamics. The teams used the shakedown as an opportunity to evaluate and fine-tune the aerodynamic features. This critical aspect will greatly impact the car’s performance and handling. Additionally, the teams dedicated time to working on the set-up, with a focus on developing configurations that will be relevant when they eventually race in Bahrain.
The main goal during the shakedown was to progress methodically, avoiding any damage to the car while extracting the most from the available track time. This approach allowed the teams to experiment and test various elements, ensuring a comprehensive development process. Despite pushing the car within their limits, drivers reported no reliability issues, providing reassurance that the new car’s performance met expectations.
The introduction of the bold new car underscores Formula 2’s commitment to cultivatating exciting and competitive racing. With the successful testing phase and shakedown, the sport is off to a promising start for the 2022 season. The changes in aerodynamics and improved safety features are set to provide thrilling action for drivers and fans alike. As the teams continue their preparation and fine-tuning, anticipation grows for the first official test session and the commencement of the new season in Bahrain.
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