La Formula V or Formula Vee It is another type of single-seater competition that many people do not know about, even some who follow other motorsport categories are unaware of it. However, it is still a championship with an exciting history that we bring you here today so that you can know everything about this competition that is eclipsed by the fame of others, but through which motorsport legends have passed...
What is Formula V?
La Formula V, or Formula Vee, or Formula Volkswagen, Also known as Formula Fau Vee in Brazil and Germany, it is a popular type of motorsport competition with relatively low costs compared to other categories such as Formula Ford or above. In order to make it so cheap, this category of motorsport uses a single-seater with bare wheels, similar to the concept of F1 initial, only that in the highest category everything has evolved to become the most sophisticated. Not here, they still maintain simplicity.
For this category great champions have passed known internationally, such as the famous Niki Lauda, Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, Keke Rosberg (all of them Formula 1 champions), Scott Dixon (6 times IndyCar champion), even names like Colin Bond, John Blanchard, John Bowe , Jason Bargwanna, Larry Perkins, and Paul Stokell (drivers known in Australia for the V8 Supercar), etc. In addition, it is important to note that there are Formula Vees in Europe, New Zealand and America.
La Formula First which is popular in the United States and New Zealand, is another category related to Formula V, since it uses the same chassis, although the engine, brakes and steering have been improved to make them superior. Even the rules are similar.
Technical characteristics of Formula V
La Formula V, or Formula Vee, It is a very particular single-seater that is made up of:
- Mechanics based on the Volkswagen Beetle (Beetle) from before 1963. Original parts such as wheels, brakes, front suspension, transmission and engine are used. In some cases they may be modified.
- Chassis with a special tube frame design for competition to improve safety in accidents.
- Special racing tires.
- Light bodywork made of fiberglass or carbon fiber.
- Maximum speed of 190 Km/h.
- 1.6G cornering.
- Minimum weight of 465 kg without driver.
- Displacement that can vary, but that is around 1200 CC to 1600 CC. In some cases, the initial air-cooled engine was replaced by a more modern water-cooled one.
- The price to buy and maintain a Formula V is around €35.000 in 2022 if you buy it new. Second hand the price would be even much lower.
Obviously, if you have thought about buying one to drive on the street, I can tell you in advance that they are not approved, so you will not be able to use it except on circuits.
Vee Formula Costs
Over the years attempts have been made to category keep its cost low. Some parts that are no longer manufactured have even been allowed to be replaced to continue maintaining the essence of this single-seater without too many alterations. So for motorsport purists, it's a fairly pure category.
Variants of Formula V
It is important to note that Formula V, or Formula Vee, has rule variants that are used depending on where you run. For example, they are different in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, and in Germany. However, the format of the car remains similar from the beginning in all places. There are also variants such as the Formula Super Vee that has been updated with more current Ford competition engines and that are raced in places like Uruguay.
From 1964 to 2021, Formula Vee competitions have been very numerous, with various winners and category participants as I mentioned above...
What do you think? Did you already know Formula V? Would you watch a Formula V race? Would you buy a Formula V car? Do not forget to leave your comments…