In the world of motorsports, F1 Academy is making waves with its groundbreaking one-make racing series designed exclusively for women drivers aged 25 years and younger. With a focus on empowering young female talent, F1 Academy aims to provide a platform for these drivers to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. Let's dive into the rules and regulations that govern this exciting racing series.
Driver Eligibility:
To participate in the F1 Academy racing series, drivers must meet specific criteria. All competitors must be women and fall within the age range of 25 years or younger. Additionally, drivers must be at least 16 years old when entering their first race event of the season, ensuring a balance between experience and youthfulness.
Weekend Format:
F1 Academy race weekends consist of multiple sessions, allowing drivers to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the races. Before Race 1, participants have the opportunity to participate in up to two 40-minute Free Practice sessions. Following the practice sessions, a 30-minute Qualifying session takes place to determine the starting grid for Race 1. Both Race 1 and Race 2 have a duration of 30 minutes each, providing intense and action-packed competitions.
Starting Grids:
The grid positions for Race 1 are determined by each driver's fastest lap during the Qualifying session. The drivers' second fastest laps, on the other hand, dictate the starting order for Race 2. This format adds an element of strategy and competitiveness to the races, ensuring that drivers constantly strive to deliver their best performance.
Teams and drivers:
Rodin Motorsport: Rodin Motorsport is a prominent team in the F1 Academy Racing Series. Led by team manager L. Lovinfosse, their drivers include A. Pulling, J. Edgar, and L. Lovinfosse himself. With their skill and expertise, they are set to make their mark on the racing track.
MP Motorsport: MP Motorsport is another formidable team in the competition. E. De Heus, H. Al Qubaisi, and A. Al Qubaisi are the talented drivers representing this team. Their determination and competitive spirit make them strong contenders in the F1 Academy Racing Series.
Campos Racing: Campos Racing is known for its exceptional performance in the F1 Academy Racing Series. The team consists of C. Chambers, C. Schreiner, and N. Martí as their drivers. With their collective skills and teamwork, they aim to achieve great success on the race track.
ART Grand Prix: ART Grand Prix is a team that always strives for excellence. The drivers representing this team are B. Bustamante, A. Nobels, and L. Block. With their unwavering focus and dedication, they aim to push the boundaries and secure victories in the F1 Academy Racing Series.
PREMA Racing: PREMA Racing is a well-established team with a rich history in motorsport. T. Hausmann, D. Pin, and M. Weug are the talented drivers representing this team. Their experience and determination make them formidable competitors on the race track.
Points Attribution:
Points are awarded based on the final classification of each race. The drivers who secure pole position for Races 1 and 2 following the Qualifying sessions receive two points each. In both races, the top 10 classified drivers are awarded points on a descending scale, with the winner earning 25 points and subsequent positions receiving 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 point(s) respectively. Additionally, a single point is awarded to the driver who achieves the fastest valid lap time, provided they finish within the top 10 positions of the final race classification.
Tyre Allocation:
Each driver is allocated three and a half sets of dry-weather tyres for every event. One of these sets may be carried over from the previous test or event, if applicable. Additionally, two sets of wet-weather tyres are provided per event, ensuring that drivers are well-equipped to tackle various track conditions.
Licences:
All participants in the F1 Academy must hold a Grade B, C, or D International FIA Licence. This requirement ensures that drivers meet the necessary safety and skill standards set by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Wild Card Entry:
Starting from the 2024 season, F1 Academy introduced Wild Card entries at select races throughout the calendar. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for talented young women from the host regions to showcase their abilities. The reigning Team Champions, PREMA Racing, will operate the Wild Card car in addition to their three regular entries, offering support and training to the selected driver. Wild Card entrants are eligible to score points in the Drivers' Standings, adding excitement and unpredictability to the championship battles.
FIA Super Licence Points:
The top five classified drivers in the 2024 Drivers' Standings will earn FIA Super Licence Points. The winner of the season will receive 10 Super Licence points, while the second and third-place drivers will collect seven and five points respectively. The driver finishing in fourth place will be awarded three points, and the fifth-placed driver will receive one point. These Super Licence points hold significant value as they contribute to a driver's eligibility for participating in top-tier motorsports championships.
The Car and Engine:
The F1® Academy car is meticulously designed to meet specific criteria, prioritizing both performance and cost-effectiveness. The aerodynamics are optimized to facilitate overtaking, while the wide range of suspension setup possibilities ensures adaptability to various track conditions. The chassis, developed by Tatuus Automobili, features a carbon monocoque that complies with the FIA's stringent safety standards. The front and rear wings are constructed using lightweight carbon composite material.
Powering the F1 Academy car is the Autotecnica engine, a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder powerhouse. With an output of 174 horsepower at 5500rpm, this engine delivers impressive performance on the racetrack. The bespoke six-gear longitudinal gearbox, designed by Sadev, offers seamless gear shifts through Magneti Marelli's electric command system controlled via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Pirelli tires provide optimum grip and performance, enabling drivers to push the limits of the car.
Performance Specifications:
The F1 Academy car boasts remarkable performance capabilities. It can reach a top speed of 240 km/h, allowing drivers to experience the thrill of high-speed racing. The lateral acceleration of up to +/- 2.0 G demonstrates the car's exceptional grip and cornering capabilities. With a maximum braking deceleration of -1.5 G, the F1 Academy car ensures precise control during braking maneuvers. Acceleration-wise, it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 12.5 seconds, showcasing its impressive acceleration prowess.
Where to watch it:
The F1 Academy's racing series captivates audiences worldwide through its extensive broadcast coverage. Here is a selection of key broadcasters by region:
Africa (Pan regional): SuperSport
Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, MENA & Turkey: beIN Sports
Australia: Fox Sports
Austria: ORF
Brazil: Bandeirantes
Canada: Bell Media
Mainland China: Tencent (Highlights)
Cyprus: Cytavision (Highlights)
Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania: Viaplay
Metropolitan France, Monaco, Andorra, Switzerland, Mauritius, Haiti, DROM COM POM, and Sub-Saharan Africa: Canal+
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg & Lichtenstein: Sky Deutschland
Greece: ANT1
India: FanCode
Italy, San Marino & Vatican State: Sky Italia
Israel: Sport 5
Latin America & Caribbean: ESPN
Malta: GO Sports
Mexico: Fox Sports
New Zealand: Sky New Zealand
Portugal: Sport TV
Spain & Andorra: DAZN
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including Scotland and Wales), the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland: Sky UK
United States of America including Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa: ESPN
F1 Academy's one-make racing series serves as a stepping stone for talented young women looking to make their mark in the world of motorsports. With its unique rules and regulations, F1 Academy provides a platform for these drivers to showcase their skills, compete fiercely, and earn recognition. By empowering the next generation of female racers, F1 Academy is driving positive change and promoting diversity within the motorsports community.
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