MRF has recently launched the new F2000 car, which will take part in an upcoming racing series. The first two rounds of this series will be held as support races, from 27th to 28th October alongside Formula One, and from 1st-2nd December with the FIA GT1 event on the Buddh International Circuit. Following rounds will take place at the MMRT track in Chennai. Ten races in all are expected to be held.
The F2000 is better and more powerful than the previous F1600. Built using carbon fiber, it has a 210 bhp Renault engine mated to a six speed sequential Hewland gearbox and a Dallara chassis. This would make the F2000 series the fastest single make formula series in Asia. Narain Karthikeyan, the brand ambassador for MRF, took the vehicle for testing around in Chennai, and came back raving about the car. He said, “It is undoubtedly the fastest racing car in Asia and it will provide an excellent opportunity for Indian youngsters to showcase their talent.”
Chief engineer for this vehicle, J. Anand, said that MRF wished to build a world class racing car and demonstrate the technology of its tires. These tires will enable the car to generate high straight line speed and cornering grip. These high speed racing vehicles will be assembled at Jayem Automotive, a company based out of Coimbatore, with technical collaboration from Dallara of Italy. As per Marketing Vice President of MRF Mr Koshy Varghese, the total cost for manufacturing 20 cars with Formula 3 specs would be 50 lacs. Prize money worth Rs 55.35 lacs is expected to be on offer. Drivers for the F2000 series are still to be finalised, as organisers are in talks with European and Asian drivers.
After the Indian Grand Prix last year. MRF had announced their ambitious plans of working on this single seater car racing project. Racing enthusiasts have been waiting for a long time to witness the most sophisticated racing car in the country.
