Free choice – chassis and engines

The Formula 3 racing series’ represent open motor-racing categories where the teams can make there own choice regarding both chassis and engines. Other than in makes cups representing a stage for just one product, different manufacturers are involved in the Formula 3 series’ held all around the world.

Consequently, the competition between drivers and teams don’t represent the only attractions in Formula 3 racing. After all, the rivalry in the technical area also makes for excitement. Those who can’t rely on an optimum package usually won’t have a chance of securing top results.

According to the regulation of the World Motorsport Association, FIA, a Formula 3 Chassis must be designed for a period of three years. At the beginning of a chassis’ second and third seasons, an update represents the only approved enhancement opportunity. In this year’s ATS Formula 3 Cup season, chassis series designed from 2001 up to 2007 may be raced. For the series’ up to and including 2004, an extra ranking was created: the ATS Formula 3 Trophy.

For several years now, Dallara have been the undisputed dominator, in Formula 3 racing. Nearly every international team relies on the design from Italy. In the Formula 3 Euro Series, for instance, all the teams use Dallara chassis’. While the ATS Formula 3 Cup grid also features other brands, such as ArtTech for example.

The Chassis’ are designed as monocoque and made from a carbon-fibre sandwich material. The minimum weight amounts to 550kg, including the driver in full racing gear. Adjustable front and rear wings as well as sophisticated aerodynamics allow for extremely high cornering speeds.

The engine choice also is free: still, every engine must be based on a large-scale production engine and homologated by the FIA. Only piston engines with a maximum of four cylinders may be used. The classical characteristic of a Formula 3 engines is the clearly visible air restrictor. The inlet all the intake air for the engine has to pass has got a diameter of just 26 millimetres.

In the ATS Formula 3 Cup basically engines from German premium brands Mercedes and Volkswagen are raced, with sequential six-speed gearboxes being responsible for the power transmission to the rear wheels.