F1 Spec Sheet: The Formula One Car

15 September 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

THE FORMULA ONE CAR

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000 - A look at some of the technical specifications of the Formula One cars that will compete in the SAP United States Grand Prix on Sept. 22-24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including a chart comparing Formula One cars to Indy Racing Northern Light Series cars.

ENTRANTS

Each entrant must construct its chassis and enter two cars and drivers in all races of the season. Any entrant that misses a race must pay a substantial fine unless it can prove extraordinary extenuating circumstances. The total entry is limited to 12 two-car teams. This year, there are 11 two-car teams.

CAR DIMENSIONS

Height: Overall height cannot exceed 37.43 inches (95 cm).
Width: Overall width cannot exceed 70.92 inches (180 cm).
Minimum weight: 1,322.76 pounds (600 kg), including driver.
Maximum complete wheel width: Front - 13.98 inches (35.5 cm). Rear - 14.97 inches (38 cm).
Minimum complete wheel width: Front - 12.07 inches (30.5 cm). Rear - 14.38 inches (36.5 cm).
Maximum complete wheel diameter: 26 inches (66 cm).

TIRES

Four circumferencial grooves on each dry-weather tire. The grooves are at least .01 of an inch (2.5 mm) deep, and .552 of an inch (14 mm) wide at the top and .04 of an inch (10 mm) wide at the bottom.

The tire supplier brings a maximum of three different wet-weather tire compound/tread patterns to each Grand Prix.

ENGINE

The engine must be a 3-liter (183 cubic inches) V10 four-stroke with reciprocating pistons. Supercharging and turbocharging are forbidden.

Basic materials of the crankshaft and camshaft must be made from steel or cast iron. Pistons, cylinder heads and cylinder blocks may not be composite structures that use carbon- or aramid-fiber reinforcing materials.

Formula One engines generate approximately 800 horsepower.

Formula One engines have a maximum rpm of approximately 18,000.

FUEL

Formula One fuels are unleaded and composed of components normally found in commercial fuels. Before the event, the competitor must submit a fuel sample for analysis and approval by the FIA. Fuel samples taken during the course of the event must match the footprint of the original sample.

FUEL TANK

The fuel tank must be a single rubber bladder tank that conforms to required safety regulations and is situated between the driver and the engine.

ELECTRONICS

Electronic driver aids such as traction control and anti-lock brakes are forbidden.

TRANSMISSION

Automatic gearboxes are forbidden.

The number of forward gears permitted is four to seven. Reverse gear must also be fitted.

SUSPENSION

All cars must be fitted with sprung suspension. Computerized active suspension systems are forbidden.

COCKPIT

The driver must be able to undo his safety belts, remove the steering wheel and climb out of the cockpit in five seconds and then replace the steering wheel in a total of 10 seconds.

DRIVERS SEAT

The driver seat must be able to be removed from the car with the driver still in it.

COMPARING A FORMULA ONE CAR AND AN INDY RACING LEAGUE CAR

FORMULA ONE INDY RACING LEAGUE Engine size/type 3-liter V10 3.5-liter V8 Horsepower Approximately 800 Approximately 650 Top racing speed Approximately 225 mph Approximately 240 mph Maximum RPM Approximately 18,000 10,700 (with rev limiter) Fuel Unleaded racing gas Methanol Engine turbocharging Forbidden Forbidden Tires Four grooves Slicks Minimum weight 1,322 pounds w/driver 1,550 pounds without driver Maximum height 37.43 inches 38 inches Maximum width 70.92 inches 78.5 inches Forward gears Four to seven Six

Text provided by Paul Kelly

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.