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Open wheel racing compared

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FIA Formula One (F1)

This European series dates back to 1906 at Le Mans. The first Wold Driving Championship was first awarded in 1950. F1 is generally seen as the pinnacle of autosport, with very much money involved, and most of the teams being global manufacturers like Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota.

Notes:

  • 18 races in 2008, all hosted in different countries, except for Spain which also hosts the European Grand Prix. Races take place in USA, China, Belgium, Spain, Bahrain,... All races are held on non-oval circuits, three of them in urban street circuits.
  • Races begin from a standing start unless the weather conditions are found to be too dangerous. In the latter case, the cars make a flying start behind the safety car.
  • Headquarters in Paris, France, led by FIA president Max Mosley. The commercial rights are managed by the SLEC Holding, managed by minority stake holder Bernie Ecclestone.
  • Dry weather tires are grooved because of regulations. Flat slicks are likely to be reintroduced in 2009.
  • Semi-automatic gearboxes allowed and used, each team builds or buys its own.
  • Standard ECU from McLaren Electronics is provided by the organisation to all teams.
  • Cars fuelled with unleaded racing petrol, by regulations closely resembling regular car petrol.

Official site: http://www.formula1.com/

More at wikipedia

Indy Racing League (IRL)

Indy Racing League logo IndyCar as it is today is the result of a merger with Champ Car in 2008. 12 years earlier, IRL itself originated following a dispute between the organisers of the CART series and the owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The new series was formed around the Indianapolis 500.

The League consists of two series, the premier IndyCar Series in DIRECTV HD (usually considered synonymous with the Indy Racing League), whose centerpiece is the Indianapolis 500, and Firestone Indy Lights, the official developmental series of the Indy Racing League.

The IRL is owned by Hulman and Co. which also owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Notes:

  • 18 races in 2008 with only Motegi (Japan) and Edmonton (Canada) being outside the USA. The schedule consists of 11 ovals and 7 regular circuits.
  • Races begin with a flying start.
  • The League consists of two series, the premiere IndyCar Series (usually considered synonymous with the Indy Racing League) and the Indy Pro Series, which is a developmental series.
  • Slicks are allowed to be all flat.
  • Traction control is strictly forbidden.
  • Currently, 6-speed paddle shift gearboxes are being used.
  • Identical Dallara chassis for every competing team.
  • Normally aspirated 3.5l Honda engines, limited at 10300 rpm.
  • Cars fuelled with methanol following regulations.
  • Organisers provide identical rear wings to each team, with 3 different specs during the season.

Official site: http://www.indycar.com/

More at wikipedia

GP2 Series (GP2)

GP2 series logo Created at the end of 2004 by the combined genius of Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and Bruno Michel, the GP2 Series saw its first competitive race in 2005 as the new championship began its life as the official Formula 1 support event at that season’s San Marino Grand Prix.
It was effectively a renewed F3000 formula, replacing it as the most important feeder series to Formula One.

Notes:

  • 20 races on 10 Formula One circuits across Europe. Each weekend, two races are held. Additionally, a GP2 Asia Series was started that consists of 5 race weekends on Asian circuits.
  • Races begin with a standing start.
  • Managed by Bruno Michel, former General Manager of the Ligier Formula One team.
  • Slicks are allowed to be flat.
  • Identical Dallara chassis for every competing team.
  • Normally aspirated, 4l Renault engines.
  • Cars fuelled with unleaded reacing petrol.

Official site: http://www.gp2series.com/

More at wikipedia

A1 Grand Prix (A1GP)

A1GP logo The nation-based A1GP concept was founded by Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum of Dubai, initially in 2004. He designed it as a series in which national teams compete against each other spectacularly. After 2 succesful seasons, the Sheikh announced his retirement from the series in favour of new shareholders.

Notes:

  • 20 races on 10 circuits around the world. Each weekend, a sprint race and main race are held.
  • Races begin with a standing start.
  • Managed by Tony Teixeira.
  • Flat slicks are being used: Cooper model 370/660R13.
  • Identical Lola chassis for every competing team.
  • Normally aspirated, 3.4l Zytek engines with a 'boost button' or 'overtake button' for the driver.
  • Cars fuelled with 100 octane unleaded petrol.
  • Drivers do not score points individually but instead score for their team.

The series also announced that after 3 years with the Lola chassis, a 6-year deal was agreed with Ferrari to design and construct a new car for A1GP.

Official site: http://www.a1gp.com/

More at wikipedia