Ford has revealed its new 2012-specification Formula Ford at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but don’t look for it to compete in Australia next year.
The new car, boasting a production-based 1.6litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged engine and a six-speed sequential gearbox, will be the fastest and safest Formula Ford ever built. It is the first tubular steel single seater to meet the latest FIA safety regulations, featuring front and rear carbon crash structures, side intrusion panels, FIA specification head restraint system, wheel tethers and an FIA removable seat.
The new car will make its competition debut in the 2012 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.
At this stage, the Australian Formula Ford Championship has no plans to introduce the new car, stating it will wait for the complete technical regulations and weigh up its viability.
“There’s certainly no changes happening here in Australia in the short term,” long-time category administrator Margaret Hardy told Speedcafe.com.
“I’m getting more information from Ford about it today, so at this point, there’s not much I can really say.
“At some point, it may come here, or we may get some parts of it.
“It is certainly a great looking car, but we’ll have to see if it is feasible in Australia. We’ll see how it rolls out in England next year.”
Motorsport Manager for Ford Europe, Mike Norton, said that Formula Ford aims to remain at the forefront of driver development.
“The 2012 specification car’s FIA approved safety attributes, powerful Ford EcoBoost engine and striking kinetic design, make for a really appealing proposition for race teams and drivers,” Norton said.
“Formula Ford is already well-known as the perfect proving ground for up-and-coming drivers and engineers, and it is Ford’s desire to continue nurturing this by supporting teams and manufacturers across the globe with the safest environment, latest technologies and most attractive packages.
“Formula Ford is in its 44th consecutive year and remains a very popular choice for drivers around the world. Many Formula Ford drivers have gone onto careers in Formula One. This is a great compliment to Formula Ford and we are at Ford proud of this achievement.”
See below for a gallery of the new Formula Ford.
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