The Dallara Formulino ("little Formula" in Italian) has been introduced to the United States by the Italian racecar manufacturer. The Formulino is an entry-level model in a range of Dallara open-wheel models that includes F3, WSR, GP2, Firestone Indy Lights and the IndyCar Series cars.
The Formulino program is a unique concept in the motorsports world, as the same basic car can provide a school, team or driver with a chassis that can easily be updated in three steps from "base" to "pro" configuration. The car was tested on the Walt Disney World Speedway tri-oval and the Sebring International Raceway road course last month by IndyCar Series veteran Davey Hamilton.
"On the oval and the road course, it's amazing how much grip the car has, how much acceleration it has, and the braking is tremendous," Hamilton said. "I think the most important thing about the car, for me having a kid coming up in this sport and having a big gap between go-karts and Indy Lights, is that this is the perfect car to fill that gap," Hamilton said.
The Formulino that was tested has a Mountune 2-liter Duratec engine, offering if desired, a complete car with no need to source separate chassis and engine suppliers. Alternatively, if required for a series, a customer's own engine can be installed.
The Formulino appeared at the International Motorsports Industry Show in Indianapolis, where Dallara and its exclusive North American distributor Indy Parts displayed the Formulino in its booth, giving patrons a chance to get a first-hand look at the car.
"We were very excited about the opportunity to show off the car to the public in Indianapolis," said Stefano de Ponti, Dallara's director for U.S. operations. "We received several positive comments about the Formulino, with the majority of them centered around the fact that this is one car that can be used three different ways. In this struggling motorsports economy, people want more for less and that is what this car provides."
What makes the Formulino most unique is that it offers a sufficiently wide range of mechanical and aerodynamic configurations through its BASE, PLUS and PRO models. This performance-progression concept gives drivers of all ages and skill levels the perfect car from which to learn and develop their racing skills.