Superleague Formula ready to kick-off in 2008

In 2008, a new global Championship will kick-off: the Superleague Formula. The new racing class will connect two of the most popular sports in the world: football and motor racing. Superleague Formula will feature 20 cars competing against one another, with each one carrying the colours and livery of major football clubs from Europe and around the world

The Superleague Formula wants to take motorsport back to its roots as all 20 cars and engines will be identical, thereby putting an emphasis on the drivers’ skills and abilities. Élan Motorsport Technologies from Atlanta (USA) is responsible for the development of the Superleague Formula car design and chassis.

Having already passed all the latest safety crash tests, in accordance with the governing body’s (FIA) criteria, the dramatic-looking Panoz single-seater will continue to be tested extensively in prototype form before being released to all teams.

Panoz (USA) Superleague DP09B car specs

Overall car width to wheel rim: 2000mm
Wheelbase: 3156mm

Total Length: 4600mm (tbc)
Max Height: 995mm
Front Wing Width: 1400mm
Rear Wing Width: 1000mm
Bodywork Width: 1400mm
Weight Target: 675kg

Chassis, Nose and Impact Structures to pass 2005 FIA F1 Crash Test Regulations:

* Carbon fibre/aluminium honeycomb composite chassis
* Carbon fibre internal bulkheads
* Quick release carbon fibre front impact structure (nose)
* Carbon firbre rear impact structure and wing mount (RIS)
* Carbon fibre side impact structures (SIPS)
* Carbon fibre rear roll hoop
* Integral rear chassis bulkhead with fuel cell access panel
* Schroth (USA) 6-point seat belt harness
* Crushable steering column installation
* Onboard fire extinguisher system (SPA UK) 3.375L AFFF

Cooling Configuration: Aluminium welded radiators, Oil RHS / Water LHS
Oil Tank: Aluminium swirl pot onto cast tank in gearbox bellhousing
Bell Housing: Aluminium casting integral with Hewland gearbox
Clutch: AP (UK) triple plate carbon clutch to suit standing starts (diameter 115 mm)
Starter: Rear external
Fuel System: ATL (UK) FIA FT5 kevlar fuel cell. Capacity approx 150 Litres
Pumps: Twin electric lift pumps, and two Bosch (Germany) high pressure electric pump
Exhausts: SSTube Tech (UK). Inconel six-into-one per side, top exit
Gearbox: Hewland (UK) LSFA semi-auto Longitudinal 6-speed with reverse. Cast Aluminium casing. Powerflow Diff.
Gear Change: Hewland paddle shift system (pneumatic)
Calipers: Brembo (ITALY) 6-piston monobloc aluminium caliper
Discs and pads: Brembo CCR300 carbon-carbon disc
Front Suspension:
Steel/Carbon wishbones and steel pushrod to twin shocks.
Driver adjustable front ARB
Steering:
Titan (UK) made rack and pinion (cast magnesium housing)
Quick release Momo steering wheel with quick-shift paddles and integral wheel mounted dash display
Rear Suspension:
Steel aero tube wishbones and pushrod to twin shocks
Adjustable rear ARB
Pankl (Austria) drive shafts and tripods
Uprights: Panoz designed steel fabricated uprights
Hubs: Panoz designed, Pankl (Austria) manufactured
Springs and Dampers Options:
Ohlins (SWEDEN) ST44 2-way adjustable
Wheels: Avus(GERMANY) or OZ(ITALY) 15.0” Magnesium cast rims. 10” wide front/15” rear
Tyres: Avon (UK) 255/635 R15 Front/ Avon 350/720 R15 rear
Data: tba
Bodywork: Composite carbon fibre, made by Panoz

The Superleague DP09B car will be powered with a very powerful and reliable 750bhp engine. The engine is a brand new and unique (to Superleague Formula) design that comes in a V12 configuration and 4.2 litre capacity. Based in Oxfordshire, England, Menard Competition Technologies is responsible for the manufacture and supply of our engines.

Engine specification

No of Cylinders: 12
Capacity: 4.2 Litres
Configuration: 60 degrees V formation
Weight: 140KG (Dry)
Peak Power: 750bhp @ 11,750 rpm
Maximum RPM: 12,000
Peak Torque: 510 N/M 9,500 10,500

As earlier explained, the Superleague Formula wants to bring football and motor racing together. That is why the cars will be painted in the colours of the participating football clubs:

We have already presented you with the car, the engine and the participating teams, but how does it work? The Superleague Formula will see one car represent each football club, with all teams using identical cars and technologies. As such, the emphasis will be firmly placed on each driver’s contribution, skill and ability – a showcase of man and technology that takes motor racing back to its essence.

The race format of the Superleague Formula is very simple. There will be a qualification on Saturday and two races on Sunday. For each round the clubs will battle for 1 million euros inn prize money and points will be awarded (and prize money allocated) on scale from first to last (1 to 20). Each race team / football club will accumulate points, and the Superleague Formula Champions will be the Team with most points at the end of the season.

So the race format looks as follows:
Saturday: Free testing and qualifying
Sunday: Two races (one with reverse grids)
One-hour race format
Simple and practical regulations in place to enhance the contest
One million Euros prize money, per race weekend

Yesterday, the race calendar that is yet to be confirmed by the FIA was released:

Race 1: Donington, United Kingdom – August 30/31, 2008

Race 2: Nürburgring, Germany – September 20/21, 2008

Race 3: Zolder, Belgium – October 4/5, 2008

Race 4: Italy (location TBA) – October 18/19, 2008

Race 5: Estoril, Portugal – November 1/2, 2008

Race 6: Jerez, Spain –November 22/23, 2008

In early December, the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA will decided if they approve the Superleague Formula calendar or not.

For more information about the Superleague Formula you can always visit their website: http://www.superleagueformula.com