THE SNAKES AND LADDERS

There was a time when a Formula 2 or 3 grid would be filled with a phalanx of different chassis. At the 1972 Silverstone International Trophy meeting there were, for example, 16 makes competing in the Formula 3 race. (Indeed, over 70 cars were entered and this was only a supporting race.) At the same track, almost 32 years to the day, there was just one Lola-Dome up against a horde of Dallaras and this was the main race on the card. As an aside, there was not one significant overtaking manoeuvre at the recent event. Memory fails as to just how many there were in 1972, but even then they would have been less than during the 1.0-litre F3 formula that preceded the 1.6-litre regulations in force during 1972.

The same was true in Formula 2. Take the October Hockenheim race the previous year. That featured nine different chassis. From those two meetings, only Lola and Martini remain as series manufacturers of single seater chassis. (Alright, so there was one elderly McLaren M4A at the Hockenheim meeting, but the company now only makes F1 cars, which, for the purposes of this exercise does not count. Those who actually construct chassis for F1 now seem little interested in building for the lesser formula, although there is talk that Dallara may rejoin the Grand Prix ranks. )

The economic climate now makes it difficult to construct a limited number of single seater racers. Only the ability to provide a whole grid makes commercial sense. This can work both ways for a supplier. The contract could be great to win and calamitous to lose. However, all may not be lost. Take ChampCar, admittedly not a single make formula but one now dominated by Lola. One British exhaust manufacturer is currently guaranteed what might be called the “original equipment” (to coin a term used in conventional car manufacturing) business supplying Lola. However, once the car gets to North America and replacement exhausts are required, he will have to compete in an “aftermarket” environment, with other suppliers from the USA as well as here.

Otherwise, the sheer numbers of single seater formulae - and we have not listed those, from Formula Palmer Audi to Formula Jedi, whose regulations are currently static - can make life hazardous for the supplier. Forty years ago life was simple with just the logically named Formulae 1, 2 and 3. A supplier manufactured for a car, not a series. The advent of Formula Ford did not change the market for, although it specified one make of engine and was backed by a vehicle manufacturer, its chassis were varied and its engine tuners many. However, the advent of the true single make formulae, as big-league marketing exercises thought up by the large car makers, altered the picture. Now we can be faced with grids of identical cars and regulations that leave no scope for innovation.

This does mean that, should a supplier win a contract, it can be secure for a few years. However, the snakes are as long as the ladders and a change in formula can have serious effects. Change is indeed a time of opportunity.

Prev | 1 2 3 | Next

Back to Documents