Formula Ford : single-seaters accessible to all

Formula Ford is a motorsport category that allows everyone to experience the unique thrill of driving a single-seater on the track. For several decades, this discipline has attracted many enthusiasts thanks to its affordable cost and its ability to accommodate drivers of all levels. It is an ideal machine for progress and training, offering a perfect platform for learning and perfecting driving techniques.

What is Formula Ford?

Formula Ford is distinguished by the use of specific single-seaters. The engines used are mainly Ford 1600 Kent Crossflow 4-cylinder blocks, providing sufficient power to ensure strong sensations on the circuits. These engines were gradually replaced by more recent Ford Zetec and Duratec models.

Formula Ford: A Bit of History!

This discipline was created in 1967 by Geoff Clarke, owner of Motor Racing Stables. At that time, Clarke, in collaboration with John Webb, Managing Director of Brands Hatch, and with the support of the Ford Motor Company, aimed to make motorsport more affordable and accessible to a larger audience by focusing on simplicity. The goal was to offer a car using standard components, notably the Ford Cortina GT engine. It was also a strategic choice as Clarke's team was engaged in Formula 3 with 997 cc engines pushed to high revs. These required heavy and costly maintenance after each race.

At its inception, Formula Ford had lower entry costs compared to other categories, while providing participants with technically less complex cars. The first generation of this single-seater was derived from the Lotus 22 designed to race in Formula 3. Other racing car manufacturers quickly offered their own single-seaters.

By the 1970s, Formula Ford was experiencing resounding success, contributing to the emergence of a new generation of talented drivers. Among them are legends such as Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill, Gilles Villeneuve, and Emerson Fittipaldi and Nigel Mansell, who all made their mark on the history of motorsport with their performances in Formula 1.

In France, drivers like Jean Philippe Grand, Philippe Gache, Eric Hélary, Christophe Bouchut, Jules Bouillon, and Solheil Ayari have also come through this discipline, which has served as a springboard for their careers.

Over the decades, Formula Ford has evolved and many national and international series have emerged. In Europe, dedicated championships exist in several countries, and prestigious competitions like the Formula Ford Eurocup or the British Formula Ford Championship have been created, attracting top-level talent. Similar events are also held in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and even in South America (Brazil), Africa (South Africa), and Asia with Formula Asia.

Formula Ford made its debut in France in 1984. The first French manufacturer, Jean Rondeau, initially used Reynard chassis for his vehicles. However, Mygale produced the first entirely French-designed Formula Ford, becoming a major player in this category.

Formula Ford Today

Despite the numerous changes in motorsport over the years, Formula Ford continues to exist and bring together enthusiasts from around the world.

Formula Ford is recognized as a true driving school, offering drivers of all levels a platform to develop their driving skills and deepen their technical understanding of single-seaters without requiring colossal investments.

The longevity of Formula Ford today relies mainly on historic competitions. Events like the Challenge Formula Ford Historic in France and other similar championships around the world help maintain interest in this iconic category. These competitions showcase classic single-seaters, often restored, allowing drivers and spectators to relive the golden age of Formula Ford.

Among the brands that have marked the history of Formula Ford, there are famous names such as Lola, Crosslé, Merlyn, Hawke, Swift, Orion, Royale, Mondiale, Van Diemen, Reynard, Rondeau, and Mygale, as well as the legendary Lotus with its famous Lotus 51. In total, more than 190 different manufacturers have contributed to this category over the years, illustrating its popularity and importance in the world of motorsport.

What is the Design of a Formula Ford?

The regulations require that the single-seater have a tubular chassis design, as the FF regulations prohibit monocoque chassis. A radiator was placed at the front in the nose of the car, then in the mid-1980s, in the sidepods.. The shape of the bodywork evolved over the decades to become square, a design more favorable for aerodynamic downforce. Wings are prohibited in Formula Ford. The regulations also require the use of moulded tyres with a specific design and compound, slicks being prohibited. The single-seaters are equipped with a Hewland 4-speed dog gearbox and do not have a limited-slip differential.

Originally, the 1,500 cc Ford engine with its Weber twin-barrel carburetor from the Cortina developed 90 hp, before quickly advancing in 1968 to 100 hp thanks to an increased displacement of 1,600 cc. The single-seater must weigh 420 kg fully loaded and without its driver. In 1993, the 1,800 cc Zetec engine was adopted, increasing power to 135 hp, and in 2006, the arrival of the 1,600 cc aluminum Duratec block raised power to 165 hp. Due to the constant enthusiasm for this formula, Ford eventually began remanufacturing Kent blocks from 2010 onwards.

The technical regulations have remained almost unchanged since their inception (due to the promotional formula), except for a few safety-related elements. Only a few remanufactured parts are limited and added to the regulations due to the shortage of original ones (crankshafts, connecting rods, and obviously the engine block, among others).

How to Race in Formula Ford?

The issue of costs remains central to the success of Formula Ford, allowing many motorsport enthusiasts to try their hand at circuit driving without breaking the bank. The discipline prides itself on keeping entry and participation costs accessible, to make single-seaters as accessible as possible to everyone.

What Budget is Needed to Race in Formula Ford?

Racing in Formula Ford is an economical solution to enjoy the thrill of single-seaters on the track. Besides the driver's license, each driver must pay the entry fees. These usually range from €300 to €800 per race. Depending on the events, private practice sessions can be added.

To participate in the Formula Ford Kent Trophy (reserved for Formula Ford 1600 Kent single-seaters built between 1967 and 1992), an additional €250 registration fee is required for the first race. This membership reduces the entry fee by €50 to €100 for each event. The trophy consists of five events of the French Historic Circuits Championship Historic Tour + SuperSpa at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

In addition to these costs for participating in the event, you will need to consider spare parts for your single-seater, such as tires or regular maintenance.

It is also possible to rent the car from a team that will take care of everything (transport, maintenance, assistance, etc.). Expect to pay around €3,500 including tax per meeting.

If you are a beginner or simply want to discover the sensations these cars provide, you can participate in single-seater driving courses: Formula Ford, Formula 3, Formula 4, Formula Renault, and even Formula 1!

You can also check the single-seater classifieds to find cars for sale or rental offers for a race or a complete season in Formula Ford.

The Second-Hand Market: Opportunities for Your First Laps

Many drivers who want to try their hand at Formula Ford choose to turn to the second-hand market to acquire their first single-seater. You can find Formula Fords for sale for around €15,000 to €25,000, or sometimes less depending on their characteristics and the general condition of the car.

You will also need to add your safety equipment such as the suit, boots, helmet, and fire extinguisher. All this equipment must be carefully chosen according to your budget and in compliance with the FFSA technical regulations.

Although these amounts may seem substantial, they should be compared to those in other motorsport categories. Formula Ford remains a very accessible category compared to many other championships where budgets can be much higher.

Accessible Championships for Maximum Pleasure

Formula Ford stands out in the world of single-seaters; it offers a unique opportunity for young talents and thrill-seekers. With its championships accessible to everyone, it is possible to start one of the races behind the wheel of one of its legendary single-seaters.

The Challenge Formula Ford Historic France

The Challenge Formula Ford Historic France, founded in 2003, brings together enthusiasts who wish to compete in historic single-seaters. The competitions take place on prestigious circuits such as Magny-Cours, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps, and the Nürburgring. The cars are classified into three periods: GR (1967-1971), HR (1972-1976), and IR (1977-1981). The vehicles, kept in their original configuration with the Ford 1600 Kent engine, ensure technical fairness. Drivers of all levels enjoy weekends consisting of qualifying and two separate races, offering spectacular events with often more than thirty single-seaters in competition.

2024 Calendar of the Challenge Formula Ford Historic France

• April 12, 13 & 14: Circuit de Zandvoort – NLD (Marcel Albers Memorial Trophy) Guests with the Kent Trophy by the Dutch HMR [Outside Challenge Formula Ford Historic and Outside French VHC-FFSA Championship]
• May 3, 4 & 5: Circuit Dijon-Prenois (21) - [HVM – French VHC-FFSA Championship]
• May 31, June 1 & 2: Circuit de Charade (63) - [HVM – French VHC-FFSA Championship]
• July 5, 6 & 7: Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours (58) - Common grid with the Kent Trophy [HVM – French VHC-FFSA Championship]
• September 6, 7 & 8: Circuit de Nogaro (32) - [HVM – French VHC-FFSA Championship]
• October 4, 5 & 6: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps – BEL (SuperSpa) - Common grid with the Kent Trophy [Included Challenge Formula Ford Historic but Outside French VHC-FFSA Championship]
• October 18, 19 & 20: Circuit Val de Vienne (Le Vigeant 86) - [HVM – French VHC-FFSA Championship]

Link : www.formula-ford-historic.fr

The Formula Ford Kent-Zetec Trophy

In parallel with the challenge, a FF Kent-Zetec Trophy is organized each year. Integrated into the French Historic Circuits Championship during the “Historic Tour” events, it includes an overall ranking for models built before 1993, as well as a category ranking (pre-82 or GHI, pre-90, and pre-93). It comprises 5 events in France and one in Belgium. Cars with Zetec or Kent engines produced from 1993 onwards can participate in certain events at the organizer's discretion. However, they do not count in the Trophy ranking.

2024 Calendar of the Formula Ford Kent-Zetec Trophy

• April 12-14: Zandvoort - MAMT (2)
• May 3-5: Dijon - Historic Tour (1)
• May 31-June 2: Charade - Historic Tour (1)
• July 5-7: Magny-Cours - Historic Tour (1) (2)
• September 6-8: Nogaro - Historic Tour (1)
• October 4-6: Spa-Francorchamps - SuperSpa (1) (2)
• October 18-20: Val de Vienne - Historic Tour (1)

(1): event counting for the FF Kent Trophy
(2): with the FF Historic Challenge

The two French FF series, the FF Kent Trophy and the FF Historic France Challenge, collaborate closely: identical technical regulations, shared paddock life, cross-participation, and numerous joint events (this year at Magny-Cours and Spa-Francorchamps).

Link : www.formulaford1600.fr

Challenge KENNOL Open Wheels

The Challenge Monoplaces Passion will enter its seventh season in 2024 and will start in Nogaro on March 2 & 3, 2024. The challenge will follow the French Circuits Cup FFSA as in previous seasons. It will then go to Dijon, a second time to Nogaro, and will follow with Croix-en-Ternois, Albi, Lédenon, Le Vigeant, for a final in Le Mans. The KENNOL OPEN WHEELS challenge brings together the Formula Ford Kent 1600cc and Zetec 1800cc but also the Formula Renault 1721cc/1600cc.

Link : www.monoplaces-passion.com

Who Are the Champions from Formula Ford?

The history of Formula Ford has seen several drivers leave their mark on the competition world. Among them are Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, Gilles Villeneuve, David Coulthard, and Michael Schumacher. Having started their careers in this discipline, they later excelled in other categories such as Formula 1, proving that Formula Ford could be a real springboard for launching young talents in the last century.

These examples of success show how beneficial training and learning in this discipline can be for aspiring drivers. Armed with their experience in Formula Ford, they are then better prepared to join professional teams and thus hope to shine in higher categories of motorsport.

Driving Courses in Formula Ford

To discover this single-seater category, nothing beats a driving course to learn the basics of driving this race car. It is an opportunity to experience complete immersion in the world of motorsport. Among the various driving courses in this category, one school stands out for the quality of its services and its highly symbolic geographical location.

The Classic Racing School: the art of old-school driving

To fully experience their passion and taste what motorsport represents, many enthusiasts opt for driving courses. In France, the Classic Racing School stands out for its innovative and high-quality approach, offering an immersive and realistic experience at the wheel of real historic single-seaters.

Students benefit from professional and caring supervision to discover the basics of the trade while experiencing thrilling sensations when behind the wheel. Based in Auvergne, the school offers sessions that mostly take place on the mythical Charade circuit, which hosted 4 Formula 1 Grand Prix in the 60s and 70s.

These courses often aim to introduce future drivers to driving techniques, covering concepts such as braking, acceleration, and trajectory. Participants also learn to manage their efforts to maintain optimal endurance levels and reduce the risk of accidents during their future track sessions.

Beyond the purely technical aspect, these training sessions offer the possibility of experiencing a fun and emotional experience at the controls of a Formula Ford. Confronted with their limits and constantly striving to give their best, apprentice drivers experience the joys of motorsport. From simple courses for pleasure to corporate team building, the Classic Racing School offers several packages to meet everyone's expectations and now attracts customers from around the world.

For more information: www.classicracinggroup.com

How Much Does a Formula Ford Driving Course Cost?

Driving schools offer sessions throughout the year on various circuits in France. The entry ticket generally ranges from €300 for about ten laps to several thousand euros for a full day including theoretical briefing before entering the track, several driving sessions in a single-seater with coaching between each session. Depending on the chosen package, a lunch is offered as well as a souvenir pack with videos and photos.

Onboard Camera in Formula Ford at Cadwell Park Circuit

Conclusion

Formula Ford stands out as an affordable gateway into the world of single-seaters, combining reduced costs and rich heritage. Its ability to train talents without requiring large budgets makes it a favored discipline, which continues to fuel the dreams of motorsport enthusiasts. In summary, Formula Ford represents a privileged choice to experience racing without the financial constraints often associated with this sport.