FIA Formula 3 (F3) driver Sophia Floersch and F1 Academy driver Chloe Chambers took part in a two-day testing program at Silverstone on July 12 and 13. The tests aimed to help define setup regulations for Formula 2 (F2) and Formula 3 (F3) cars to accommodate a wide range of drivers and improve accessibility in both championships.
The program focused on evaluating all suspension setup configurations used throughout the season to ensure compliance with the steering effort level defined by the FIA. Both drivers tested various setups on different tire compounds, working on braking, steering effort, steering wheel positioning and overall car ergonomics.
The collected data and driver feedback will inform setup limitations for F2 and F3 teams in 2025.
During the tests, Floersch completed 96 laps in the F2 2024 car, while Chambers completed 97 laps in a modified hybrid F3 2019 car designed to simulate the F3 2025 car.
Floersch highlighted the purpose of the test as evaluating the steering effort to make F2 and F3 more accessible to a wider range of drivers. She noted differences in steering racks and caster changes, preferring the harder steering rack for its directness and better control in high-speed corners. Floersch found a setup that balanced effort with control and confidence, benefiting from the trial of different tire compounds and long runs.
She commented, “The FIA and the F2/F3 promoters have a lot of simulations and goals that they want to reach for where they want to end up with regards to steering effort over the next months or years. I think it is good to see that they are working on it and comparing real-life data to their simulations. I was really lucky and happy to be one of the drivers to get the chance to drive the F2 car for the first time.”
Chambers emphasized the importance of providing feedback on the car’s handling, steering weight and balance to improve the next generation of F3 cars: “I did a lot of laps in different conditions and on different tires, so I am hopeful that my feedback and data will be helpful to make the cars as accessible as possible”.
