what is Formula 2?
The basics
Formula 2 is an open-wheel formula racing category.
It began as a series known as GP2, but in 2017, the FIA and GP2 struck a deal leading to the formation of Formula 2.
The championship is known as a ‘feeder series’ as it’s a huge talent pool that Formula 1 teams regularly dive into to find fresh talents. The series is considered the ‘Road to F1;’ it helps drivers to improve their race craft turning them into fully rounded, competitive drivers.
Image via fiaformula2.com
As a feeder series to Formula 1, Formula 2 follow the premier class around the world stopping at a select few Grand Prix, this means each race weekend is an opportunity for each driver to showcase their talent to the Formula 1 paddock.
Seeing only a few teams fighting for the lead can become tedious with many fans wanting to see wheel to wheel racing every weekend. Formula 2 provides this, every race has you sat on the edge of your seat in anticipation.
It’s uncommon in Formula 2 to see front-runners in the same way we do in Formula 1. The results of a race change drastically between each race. The driver who finished as the back of the grid last week may very well be on the top step of the podium next week.
Image via fiaformula2.com
the Format
The format of a Formula 2 race weekend is as follows: on a Friday there is a 45 minute free practice session followed by one qualifying session of 30 minutes. On Saturday, there is a 120km or 45 minute (whichever comes first) sprint race. And finally on the Sunday there is a 170km or 60 minute (whichever comes first) feature race where a mandatory pitstop must be complete.
The difference with Formula 2 is that Friday’s qualifying session actually sets the grid order for Sunday’s feature race. The starting grid for Saturday’s sprint race is qualifying’s top 10 drivers reversed.
the points
In the sprint race, the top eight drivers are awarded points: 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. For the feature race, the top 10 drivers are awarded points: 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1. Fastest lap points are also awarded in both races.
Image via fiaformula2.com
Image via formula1.com
the cars & Tyres
Just like Formula 1, the Pirelli 18-inch tyres are used. What makes this championship so entertaining is the face each car is the exact same specification. Dallara design the cars and all the parts included to make it fully functioning. This allows the true talent of a driver and their team to shine through.
Now that’s the basics of Formula 2, click below to keep up with the news, see the series’ schedule, meet the teams and drivers and check the standings.
