Formula 4 vs MSA Formula (old Formula Ford)
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I'm interested in getting involved with motorsport. I'm trying to wrap my head around all the different formulas, could someone please explain the difference between Formula 4 and Formula MSA (which has replaced Formula Ford as I understand)?
Are they similar in terms of speed, running costs, experience of driver, etc? What are their differences/similarities? If I started off with formula Vee, which one would I progress to?
I can't find anything that really compares these two formulas!
Bonus question: I am currently thinking the most efficient route to F1 that allows a decent learning curve would be: Formula Vee --> F4 --> F3 or F2 not sure which --> WSR3.5 or GP2 not sure which --> F1. Thoughts/comments?
I'm interested in getting involved with motorsport. I'm trying to wrap my head around all the different formulas, could someone please explain the difference between Formula 4 and Formula MSA (which has replaced Formula Ford as I understand)?
Are they similar in terms of speed, running costs, experience of driver, etc? What are their differences/similarities? If I started off with formula Vee, which one would I progress to?
I can't find anything that really compares these two formulas!
Bonus question: I am currently thinking the most efficient route to F1 that allows a decent learning curve would be: Formula Vee --> F4 --> F3 or F2 not sure which --> WSR3.5 or GP2 not sure which --> F1. Thoughts/comments?
You have the absolute financial backing of multi-millionnaire parents right? Or a fully sponsored scholarship with a current F1 team?
Whichever route you pick into F1, the starting point for F1 drivers is almost invariably in karting, often starting at the age of 10 or younger.
Although, if you have a fully sponsored scholarship with an F1 team you should probably just do as they tell you.
ETA: By the way, Max Verstappen only graduated up to cars from karts 18 months ago so don't discount karts and assume you have to get straight into a single seat racing car.
P.S. formula vee as a stepping stone into modern F1
Whichever route you pick into F1, the starting point for F1 drivers is almost invariably in karting, often starting at the age of 10 or younger.
Although, if you have a fully sponsored scholarship with an F1 team you should probably just do as they tell you.
ETA: By the way, Max Verstappen only graduated up to cars from karts 18 months ago so don't discount karts and assume you have to get straight into a single seat racing car.
P.S. formula vee as a stepping stone into modern F1
Edited by HustleRussell on Wednesday 29th April 07:02
As far as I understand it, MSA Formula is Formula 4. At least the cars are F4 spec and so are the regs. The difference between the old (I.e. Within the last few years) Ecoboost FF and the new ones is a de-tuned engine (160bhp) and a difference carbon fibre chassis. Having said that, details are sparse so I might be wrong.
MSA Formula is designed to allow people as young as 15 get a seat and they tend to have come through the ranks of karting.
As you're talking about single seaters then I'm assuming you've been karting already?
MSA Formula is designed to allow people as young as 15 get a seat and they tend to have come through the ranks of karting.
As you're talking about single seaters then I'm assuming you've been karting already?
It gets or is about to get more complicated than it is now as from 2016 Brdc F4 will be a carbon tub too . From what I gather it is significantly cheaper than the MSA formula per season and less than some are spending on Karting.
It is still a significant budget though and you need to be very well backed.
It is still a significant budget though and you need to be very well backed.
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