Formula Alpha

The concept of the series was put forward and developed by AKKS, an engineering company based in Moscow . The author of the idea is racing promoter Yuri Kim; the appearance of the car was created by the famous automobile artist Alexander Zakharov . The chassis is designed by a team of specialists, the most famous of which are Alexander Exerjan, Alexander Antonov and Grigory Menshenin. ^[2] The promotion of the concept began in 2000, and the first championship took place in 2002 on the Nevskoye Koltso highway in St. Petersburg . ^{[3] [4]}

In 2007, AKKS refused to promote the series, after which all cars were moved to the ADM Autodrom in Myachkovo for technical inspection and repair. In 2011, more than 30 cars, along with spare parts and new engines, were transported to the Rustavi highway shortly before the completion of its complete reconstruction. ^[five]

The technical base of the racing series is at the Rustavi racetrack, where most of the stages of the competition take place, with the exception of (since 2015) two weekends on the Formula 1 Istanbul Park circuit. Thanks to the mild winter, tests in Formula Alpha can be carried out almost all year round. You can start training after reaching the age of 14; a license is not necessary, but karting experience is important enough to begin to master this car. To start the competition, you can get the Georgian racing license directly at the circuit, having passed the appropriate training course. In accordance with the requirements of the International Automobile Federation , foreign pilots may require the permission of the national federation.

Having about 20 cars at the start, the 6-7-stage Formula Alpha can be considered as a reasonable choice for a pilot aiming at a professional career, especially if you take into account the cost of 1 mile at € 21.66 in comparison with the same indicator of similar series ^[6] . It should be taken into account the obvious disadvantages of the championship - the chassis in the form of a steel tubular frame of an outdated design, as well as a small selection of routes in the calendar.

Formula Alpha is equipped with aerodynamic devices - wing wings that increase downforce; in addition, it uses slicks - smooth racing tires that provide maximum grip. Thanks to this, Formula Alpha (in contrast, for example, from an analogue such as Formula Ford ) allows an athlete to understand the characteristic features of the cornering behavior of cars with advanced aerodynamics, which include all older formulas up to Formula 1.

All participants speak on cars of the same specification, with the same engines, tires and unified aggregates and units. Modifications are prohibited, which is controlled by the technical inspectors of the competition. Engine power should not exceed 135 liters. with. when measuring on the rear wheels during a post-finish test on the bench. Chassis adjustment - adjustment of the balance of brakes, suspension, flap angles - allowed.

Engine

• Alfa Romeo Twin Spark 16V
• Volume: 2000 cm ³
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Number of valves: 16
• Power: 157 liters. with. at 6400 min ⁻¹
• Torque: 187 Nm at 3500 min ⁻¹

Transmission

• Clutch: dry single plate
• Gearbox: en: Hewland LD-200-5
• Number of gears: 5

Chassis

• Spatial frame of steel pipes of rectangular cross section
• Fiberglass Fairings

Pendant

• Double wishbones
• Adjustable anti-roll bars
• Shock Absorbers Sachs
• AKKS springs

Brakes

• Brake Discs: Brembo
• Brake pads: Ferodo Racing

Wheels

• Rims: OZ
• Tires: Hankook 180 / 55R13 front, 240 / 570R13 rear

Dimensions

• Full length / width: 4400 mm / 1850 mm
• Curb weight: 550 kg

The number of tests at the Rustavi racetrack is not limited, while on the Istanbul Park track, training is usually available no more than 1-2 days before the competition. Replacement of chassis, engines, tires and other units during the competition is not prohibited. Despite this, the budget of the series remains relatively low, due to the low cost of spare parts and engines, as well as the price level in Georgia ^[7] . In the 2015 season, there are 2 races for one weekend. Each race begins with an installation circle after the pace car , but the start is made on the move. Pitlane speed is limited to 60 km / h.

Pilot equipment (overalls, helmet, thermal underwear, gloves, shoes) must comply with FIA specifications.

Points system for each race:

Basically, the rules of the competition are similar to most European series regulated by the FIA. ^[eight]

Each weekend begins with Friday free workouts (3-4 sessions of 20 minutes). The next free practice is Saturday morning; followed by a 20-minute qualification race. After lunch - the first race (10 laps). On Sunday, the schedule is similar, with the addition of the grand opening ceremony, at which all pilots are required to attend. If the second qualification is not carried out for any reason (for example, during the away stage), the starting position in the Sunday race is determined by the time of the second best lap of the Saturday session.

At the “home” stages, the race of Formula Alpha is considered the main event of the day, it begins, as a rule, immediately after the opening of the competition and is accompanied by a direct television broadcast on the air of the public channel “ Channel 1” . An alternative broadcast can be seen on the Internet, where they show filming with 28 referee cameras.

The championship consists of 6-7 stages, each stage consists of two races. It starts in April and ends in November with the traditional Rustavi International Challenge.

The regulatory body of the competition is the Georgian Autosport Federation (GASF), which is an authorized member of the FIA and exercises sports authority in Georgia on its behalf. ^[9]

• Rustavi international motorpark
• Formula Alpha 14-year-old pilot test video