The Grand Prix Proving Ground
Motorsport News|February 22,2017

As it reaches its 50th year, we track the roots of Formula 2.

Paul Lawrence
The Grand Prix Proving Ground

Between 1967 and 1984 Formula 2 was Grand Prix racing’s waiting room. Just about everyone destined for the pinnacle of the sport had to first prove themselves in Formula 2. Each of the 18 European Formula 2 Champions went on to race in F1 and over the same period 13 World Drivers’ titles went to former F2 racers.

At the height of its pomp, Formula 2 had big grids, quality drivers, glorious cars that made the right noises and some spectacular racing. Through the 1970s, when F1 drivers joined in on their spare weekends, a gaggle of talented racers used F2 as the most effective springboard into the grand prix arena. Inevitably, times move on and F2 finally reached its sell-by date in the early to mid-1980s. But there has never been a better second string single-seater category.

The story of Formula 2 dates back to 1948 although the concept of a category beneath grand prix racing has its origins in pre-war racing for 1500cc Voiturettes. Into the early 1950s, the two-litre F2 class allowed drivers and manufacturers, notably Cooper, to move up the racing ladder. In fact, in 1952 and 1953 there were so few genuine F1 cars that the rounds of the World Championship ran for F2 cars.

The sport changed in 1954 with the introduction of the 2.5-litre Grand Prix regulations, a move that sent F2 into a period of decline but it was reintroduced in 1957 for 1500cc cars and Cooper, using the four-cylinder version of the fire pump based Coventry Climax engine, enjoyed great success. The basis of that Cooper took the company into F1 and so began the rear-engined revolution.

This story is from the February 22,2017 edition of Motorsport News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 22,2017 edition of Motorsport News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MOTORSPORT NEWSView All
Meeke's Walk in the (Car) Park
Motorsport News

Meeke's Walk in the (Car) Park

Northern Irishman survives a huge late scare to win

time-read
10 mins  |
March 15,2017
Brutal Bogie
Motorsport News

Brutal Bogie

Scot hammers BTRDA opposition in BRC preparation.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 15,2017
F1's Social Revolution
Motorsport News

F1's Social Revolution

The way we watch F1 is about to change, but mostly on your phone.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 22,2017
Breaking Point for McLaren-Honda?
Motorsport News

Breaking Point for McLaren-Honda?

Pressure is on for the Anglo-Japanese

time-read
4 mins  |
March 22,2017
Victory For Moyers At Last
Motorsport News

Victory For Moyers At Last

The saying goes that if at first you don’t succeed, try and then try again.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 08,2017
Payne Is The Malton Master With Third Win In A Row
Motorsport News

Payne Is The Malton Master With Third Win In A Row

Charlie Payne took his sixth win on the Malton Forest Rally and his third event win in succession. With Carl Williamson on the notes, their Ford Fiesta RS WRC was never headed over the six stages in tricky conditions.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 08,2017
Proton Iriz Debuts With A Podium Run
Motorsport News

Proton Iriz Debuts With A Podium Run

Ollie Mellors gave the brand new Proton Iriz R5 its competition debut on the Malton Forest Rally, finishing third.

time-read
1 min  |
November 08,2017
Evans: I Want To Partner Ogier In 2018
Motorsport News

Evans: I Want To Partner Ogier In 2018

Welshman sends plea to his world champion team-mate

time-read
2 mins  |
November 08,2017
Newby Wins At Leisure
Motorsport News

Newby Wins At Leisure

Six stage wins in succession on the opening day of the Brean Stages Rally sealed victory for Arron Newby/ Andrew Leech (Subaru Impreza), ahead of Jim Munden/Nick Eccles (Impreza) and Thomas Cooper/Ian Davis (Mitsubishi Lancer E9) in third.

time-read
1 min  |
January 31,2018
Solberg Targets WRC Return In Polo
Motorsport News

Solberg Targets WRC Return In Polo

World-beater samples new R5 challenger and wants an event deal

time-read
1 min  |
January 31,2018