F2 arrives at Monza with a big new feature

Presented in Monza a year ago and introduced this year in competition, the F2 Dallara's 2024 has redistributed the cards in the peloton. It was indeed necessary to take charge of a new mount. If on the mechanical level nothing has really changed, confidence being reiterated in the Mecachrome V6, the aerodynamics have been revisited and consequently caused headaches for the engineers.

While some thought that the situation would not change much compared to the previous car, it is clear that the start was not the same for everyone. Some major forces, such as ART Grand Prix or Prema, had a truncated start. While others, more discreet in recent times, like Rodin or Hitech GP, started off with a bang, taking advantage of the opportunity to settle in front.

Over time, this has become somewhat more balanced, with the teams understanding the specificities of the new Dallara a little more each weekend. It must be said that the tests during the year have also played in their favour. But this weekend in Lombardy, the situation will be very different since they will discover new equipment there.

A low downforce kit, and a big challenge ahead? 

In a place like Monza where it is all about having the best possible top speed, the F2 teams will test the low-downforce aero kit for the first time. Until now, they have been able to work in races with the medium and high-downforce one, while it has only been tested in testing in Barcelona, ​​and on a smaller scale.

The idea is none other than to increase the speed, the upper flap of the rear wing, usually raised, will be in an almost horizontal position. Like what can be found in F1 every year on this same track where the upper flap is almost flat in order to generate as little downforce as possible and allow the car to gain top speed.

An unknown for the entire F2 field and which could have its consequences on the track. Indeed, after spending months trying to understand this F2 2024, the engineers will have to find the best settings with a kit that they do not yet master. Will those who play in front manage to adapt? Will those who are further back be able to take advantage of it to put in a good performance?

To counteract the lack of downforce from the rear wing, teams will have to find the perfect front wing angles as well as compensate with other mechanical adjustments to achieve the best possible balance, combining speed and stability.

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