New Super Formula SF19 car completes first shakedown running
The next generation Super Formula SF19 car has been shaken down for the first time ahead of its introduction to the championship in 2019
Chassis manufacturer Dallara completed production on a pair of SF19 cars this week and the cars were subsequently transported to the Autodromo Riccardo Paletti, near Varano in Northern Italy.
Honda SF driver Tomoki Nojiri gave the new car its first running as he undertook a systems verification test and eventually completed 71 laps over a span of four hours.
It is understood that Nojiri's fastest time was around the 57s mark and SF organisers claim that it was a full two seconds quicker than the circuit's previous lap record, which was set by an LMP1 car.
Although no further details were forthcoming, DragonSpeed did test its BR1 machine at the same track back in March.
Both cars will now be shipped to Japan for an official two-day shakedown at Fuji on July 4-5, a few days before the former Formula 1 venue hosts its annual SF round.
SF claims its new car is to both faster and safer than the SF14, which has been in use since 2014.
The previous-spec SF14 has a minimum weight of 660kg that includes the driver, compared to 734kg for a 2018, halo-fitted F1 car.
As part of the design overhaul, several changes have been made on the SF19's aerodynamic front.
The rear wing is positioned lower and is swept back, while winglets have been added on both sidepods.
The new car will not carry a halo device, with Dallara taking other measures to try to ensure driver safety.
The series will continue to use the IndyCar-style push-to-pass button, but organisers are confident there will be more overtaking in 2019 as the new car has increased focus on the underfloor for generating downforce.
Previous article
Motorsport Network launches MotorsportPRO.com ecommerce platform
Next article
Romain Dumas and Volkswagen's electric Pikes Peak challenge explained
About this article
| Series | General |
| Author | Rachit Thukral |
LEGO Ferrari 488 GTE
Why Campos Never Made It Into Formula 1
The F1 and Indy 'nearly man' that found contentment in Japan
Having had the door to F1 slammed in his face and come within three laps of winning the Indianapolis 500, the collapse of a Peugeot LMP1 shot meant Japan was Bertrand Baguette's last chance of a career. But it's one which he has grasped with both hands
The female all-rounder who arrived "too early"
From Formula 3 to truck racing, Dakar and EuroNASCAR via a winning stint in the DTM, there's not much Ellen Lohr hasn't seen in a stellar racing career that highlights the merit in being a generalist. But she believes her career came too early...
How Radical's latest machines fare on track
The lightweight sportscar manufacturer has not rewritten the rulebook with its latest machines, but the new SR3 XX and SR10 still provide a step forward on its previous successful models
The real-life racing rogues stranger than fiction
The forthcoming Netflix film linking the world of underworld crime and motorsport plays on a theme that isn't exactly new. Over the years, several shady figures have attempted to make it in racing before their dubious dealings caught up with them
How a GP is thriving in a COVID-free territory
The New Zealand Grand Prix's mix of rising talent and big-name stars thrilled the crowds (yes, remember crowds?) assembled for the Toyota Racing Series meeting at Hampton Downs last weekend and left distant observers craving a repeat
How a much-changed Macau GP kept the party going
OPINION: The 67th edition of the Macau Grand Prix might have been a largely muted affair to the outside world without its international influx and star line-ups, another victim to the COVID-19 pandemic, but organisers deserve huge credit for keeping the party going
Engineer's view: Motorsport's revolutionary braking tool
Although brake pressure and temperature logging is commonplace, measuring and understanding braking performance hasn't been so straightforward. But that's about to change following the introduction of a groundbreaking new sensor
The high-tech materials helping Renault in its F1 rise
The Renault F1 team is at the vanguard of innovative solutions pushing development of the V6 turbo hybrid engine rules, embracing the full potential of material science in its bid to get back to the top
