Race and classic pictures

Formula 2 teams shakedown new-generation 2024 car

The FIA Formula 2 Championship teams got their first taste of their new 2024 car this week at a shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.

Only one car per team was used, and 20 drivers confirmed for the 2024 season were able to get some mileage under their belt.

The main focuses of this shakedown were on reliability and on the teams learning how to operate the new car, with six hours of running across the day.

The striking new contender which features a bold rear-wing design, among others innovations, has been conceived by Dallara as a more accessible and cost-effective proposition for teams and drivers.

But also, as a car that more closely resembles Formula 1's current generation designs, with advances in "safety, performance, aesthetics and internal systems, with the goal of making racing exciting for the F1 community and motorsport fans".

Sporting all-new aerodynamics from front to rear that should allow for closer wheel-to-wheel action, F2's new-spec machine is still powered by the trusty 3.4 litre turbocharged engine produced by Mecachrome and fed with a 55% bio-sourced sustainable fuel provided by Aramco.

“The first goal of this shakedown was to have a clean session with no issues, and that’s what we achieved,” commented ART Grand Prix’s Victor Martins.

“We had a good run plan to get a first feeling of how the car is handling in corners and how it behaves.

“It was so nice to get back behind the wheel! The first feeling of the car is that it does not change a lot compared to last year’s, so I will be able to put my experience to good use for the new season.

“Everything went fine with no reliability issues. It’s a very positive start.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.