Formula 1 starts with Formula Ford

A Potted History

For the past 35 years Formula Ford has been the crucible for young stars to make their mark and has launched the careers of such world champions as Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen.

Formula Ford was created in 1967 to bridge a gap for a junior formula to take young drivers from karting and help them towards a Formula 1 career.

Managed by the Ford Motor Company the formula had 1600cc Ford engines and the chassis were made by different manufacturers, all trying to develop stronger and faster designs.

The championship was an instant hit. The drivers learned vital skills that would make them into future champions.

By 1975 there were so many Fford cars in circulation that drivers were being turned away from meetings. Formula Ford has continued successfully and is still going strong today.

Introduced into Australia in 1969, Formula Ford has become the accepted proving ground for the nation's champions, on a local and international level. Graduates include many World Champions, including Michael Schumacher.

Australia's current Formula One representative, Mark Webber, began his career in Australian Formula Ford. 70% of drivers in the Australian V8 Supercar field are Formula Ford graduates, including Craig Lowndes, Jason Bright, Marcos Ambrose and David Besnard.

What is Formula Ford?

Formula Fords must comply with stringent rules that are designed to reduce costs for newcomers to the sport, and to allow every driver to compete on his/her own merits.

The Formula Ford chassis, the choice of which is not restricted as in other formulae, conform to strictly policed technical regulation and boast the very latest thinking in engineering and design.

Every Formula Ford is constructed from a lightweight tubular space frame designed to maintain the highest levels of driver safety. Aerodynamic modifications such as wings and spoilers are prohibited.

A number of manufacturers, both local and international, build the basic Formula Ford body and chassis; the most common being the UK built Van Diemen, the French Mygale and the Australian Build Spectrum Chassis.

Each vehicle is powered by a 'control' Kent 1.6 litre engine. A four speed gearbox with a mechanical gear change drivers the rear wheels through an open differential, braking is achieved through non-carbon discs all round and the suspension is adjustable for ride height, roll stiffness and damping, but active suspension is not allowed.

The key of the category's long-term success if the uniquely level playing field of the equipment and chassis, allowing differences in skill to become the sole victory between the drivers.

The relative parity between the vehicles also serves to guarantee the categories reputation for some of the most exciting and nail-biting close racing to be seen on any Australian circuit.

Formula Ford Around the World

Such is the success of the formula, 22 countries around the world boast a Formula Ford Championship.

In Australia an eight-round National Championship is conducted at various circuits around the country including meetings at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide and the Super Cheap Auto 1000 at Mt Panorama Bathurst. State series races are organised in most States, to provide an introduction to the category at a lower cost level.