The Car
The FB02 is one of Formula BMW’s major success factors. Every driver is given the same car. This ensures that it is not the technical superiority of a team, but the ability and commitment of the driver at the centre of the competition. Changes to the FB02 are subject to strict restrictions. As well as giving equal opportunities, the set-up restrictions also have another effect: The youngsters are to be gingerly introduced to professional Formula racing, and not swamped with too many modifications.
In addition, the Formula BMW drivers can rely on one of the safest, most advanced cars of its class. The central safety component of the FB02 is the modern monocoque. With a weight of about 45 kg, it represents less than 10% of the car’s total weight. The technology, which you will recognise from Formula One, is a combination of sandwich structures and carbon-fibre/Kevlar material. This not only guarantees that it is lightweight, but also ensures that it is solid, and the use of Kevlar fibre prevents penetration in case of collisions.
The Formula BMW also sets the standard when it comes to safety components in junior race series: Formula BMW was the first formula series after Formula One to make the HANS Head and Neck Support compulsory. The innovative Formula Rescue Seat (FORS), which is made of Kevlar, was developed by BMW Motorsport specifically for the FB02.
However, safety is not the only impressive feature in Formula BMW. The FB02 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds, and can reach a top speed of 230 km/h. The 140 hp, in-line, four-cylinder engine is responsible for these impressive figures. The 1.2-litre power train is equally impressive, and its maximum engine speed of 9,250 rpm corresponds to that of a typical racing engine. The combination of compact design and horizontal cylinders ensure a low centre of gravity, which benefits the driving properties.
All the engines for the international series are prepared by Schnitzer Motorsport in Freilassing (Germany). This guarantees that they all correspond to the specified performance, and can simply be dropped onto the series. Service work is performed exclusively by BMW, which prevents any modifications to the engine. This is the foundation of Formula BMW’s equal opportunities philosophy.
The Hewland gearbox, with six sequential transaxle gears plus reverse, is similar to the gearbox used in Formula 3.
Technical specifications FB02.
Engine
Type Water-cooled, flat, in-line, four-cylinder engine, twin overhead camshafts, electronic fuel injection
No. of valves 16
Max. output 140 bhp at 9,000 rpm
Max. torque 128 Nm at 6,750 rpm
Displacement / bore x stroke 1,171 cc / 70.5 x 75 mm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Fuel tank capacity 42 litres, FIA FT 3 spec
Exhaust system High-performance header, closed-loop 3-way racing catalyst
Gearbox
Model Hewland FTR
Type Longitudinal sequential gearbox
Gears 6 forward plus reverse
Differential Limited slip
Clutch Single-disc dry clutch
Chassis
Suspension Independent double wishbone suspension with pushrods (aerodynamic profiled), two wheel retention tethers per front and rear wheel
Shock absorbers ZF Sachs SP 3, adjustable in bump and rebound, single damper front, single damper rear
Springs Coil spring (600-1,100N/cm)
Wheels OZ Racing, Magnesium alloy, one-piece, centre-locking, front 8“x13“, rear 10“x13“
Tyres Michelin slicks and wet tires, front 20/54-13, rear 22/54-13
Brakes Disc brake, floating, 2-piston calliper, 2 brake circuits, adjustable braking bias front to rear
Dimensions
Length / Width / Height 3,975 mm / 1,740 mm / 980 mm
Wheelbase 2,610 mm
Track front / rear 1,537 mm / 1,466 mm
Overall weight (dry) 465 kg
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