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 | This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (February 2024) |
.jpg) Start of the Formula One 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix | |
| Highest governing body | FIA |
|---|---|
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | No |
| Team members | Yes |
| Mixed-sex | Yes |
| Type | Circuit racing, Road racing |
| Equipment | Open-wheel car |
| Venue | Permanent road and city street circuits |
Formula racing, also known as open-wheel racing in North America, is any of several forms of open-wheeled single-seater motorsport. The origin of the term lies in the nomenclature that was adopted by the FIA for all of its post-World War II single-seater regulations, or formulae. The best known of these formulae are Formula One, Formula E, Formula Two, Formula Three, regional Formula Three and Formula Four. Common usage of "formula racing" encompasses other single-seater series, including the IndyCar Series and the Super Formula Championship.
Lower categories such as Formula Three and Formula Two are described as junior formulae, lower formulae or feeder formulae, referring to their position below top-level series like Formula One on their respective career ladders of single-seater motor racing. There are two primary forms of racing formula: the open formula that allows a choice of chassis or engines and the control or "spec" formula that relies on a single supplier for chassis and engines. Formula Three is an example of an open formula, while Formula BMW is a control formula. There are also some exceptions on these two forms like Formula Ford where there is an open chassis formula but a restricted single brand engine formula.
While Formula One is the most expensive form of motorsport in the world, not all formula series are high-cost professional events. Some formulas are intended for juniors and amateurs, including categories such as Formula 1000 and Formula Vee are among the least expensive forms of circuit racing.
Most contemporary formula categories allow the use of racing slicks, and extensive use of wings and Ground effects to increase cornering speeds. However, there are popular amateur categories such as Formula Ford and Formula Vee which do not, and consequently have much slower cornering speeds and in which “drafting” plays a much more important role. Occasionally the term “wings and slicks racing” is used to distinguish the faster categories.