Super Formula is a very competitive Japanese single-seater series that is the closest in terms of car performance to F1. Here's how the cars compare

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Here are Car Throttle, we like to take a look at how different forms of motorsport compare. From LMP1 vs LMP2 in the FIA WEC to what the differences are between a WRC machine and its road-going counterpart. We’ve already looked at how F1 cars compare to GP2, but there is actually another single seater series that gets closer to it in terms of car performance: Super Formula.

Formula 1

As we all know, F1 cars are all very different. Some may run with the same power units, gearboxes, brake manufacturers and, of course, tyres but the chassis, aerodynamics and many internal parts are all unique to each team. The sport entered a new era in 2014, with new turbocharged, 1.6-litre V6 direct fuel injection engines revving to 15,000rpm being introduced. But this is now a very small part of the overall F1 power unit, which uses a hybrid system, meaning the cars complete the same race distance using one third less fuel compared to the old V8s.

So, what is the power unit made up of? Well, for you F1 newbies, it includes the Internal Combustion Engine (1.6-litre V6), a turbocharger and a complicated Energy Recovery System. This features the MGU-K (kinetic, harvesting energy under braking), MGU-H (heat, harvesting energy from the turbo), control electronics and energy store. Drivers had four of each element at their disposal over the course of the 2015 season and using more resulted in penalties, which got pretty ridiculous at times – Jenson Button had a 70-place grid penalty at one point. The four power unit suppliers are Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda. Performance differed between them, with the Mercedes leading the way and Honda struggling for reliability and power. Aerodynamics must comply with strict height, width and location regulations but within these small parameters, teams are free to do what they want. They are always hunting for as much downforce as possible. Many feel F1 is too reliant on power units right now but aero still remains crucial for good performance.

Gearboxes are sophisticated semi-automatic, seamless shift pieces of kit with eight forward gears (with ratios selected prior to the season) and a reverse, of course. Each gearbox must last six consecutive events, in a bid to bring down extortionate costs. The steering wheels are super complicated and would easily confuse even the smartest F1 fan. The huge variety of buttons, settings, combinations and the big screen packed with information are all a big help to the drivers. F1 cars run carbonfibre composite brake discs squeezed by a conventional hydraulic calliper. The brakes are now used in F1 to produce kinetic energy for the ERS systems, so any problems can have a knock on effect for speed.

Tyres are supplied by Pirelli, with four slick compounds (this will increase to five in 2016), an intermediate option and a wet weather tyre. In 2015 two dry compounds were nominated per race weekend and drivers had to use both during an event. There will be 22 drivers on this year’s grid, with 11 teams, and there will be 21 rounds (up two drivers, one team and two races compared to 2015). Pit stops are mandatory and DRS is used as an overtaking aid. In terms of performance stats, top speeds for cars vary. The highest speed registered in 2015 was 223mph (360km/h) by Lewis Hamilton in first practice for the Mexican GP. Cars in 2015 weighed 702kg and the Mercedes W06 was 5000mm long, 1800mm wide and had a height of 950mm.

Super Formula

Formerly known as Formula Nippon, Super Formula is Japan’s leading single-seater series. Last year was the championship’s 29th season and second under its new name, with seven rounds and eight races, taking place at the country’s most famous circuits – including Suzuka, Fuji and Twin Ring Motegi. The grid is typically made up of top Japanese drivers, but some racers from Europe have moved across, partly thanks to few clashes with other international championships like F1 and the FIA WEC. Endurance racer Andre Lotterer and British driver James Rossiter are just two recent examples, while big brands like Honda, Petronas and Lenovo have also been involved in the series.

19 drivers raced at each round in 2015, with 11 teams competing in the championship. The cars are all identical and certainly look brilliant. The chassis, called the SF14, is a sandwich carbon/aluminium honeycomb structure from Dallara and was introduced for the 2014 season.

The SF14 machines are powered by 2.0-litre, direct injection, mid-mounted turbo inline-four engines produced by manufacturers Honda and Toyota. It outputs 542bhp, and includes a fuel flow restrictor plus a new overtaking system dubbed ‘OTS’. It is Super Formula’s version of DRS, increasing fuel supply temporarily to provide a 5 per cent boost in engine performance. This is available to drivers five times during the race and is active for 20 seconds each time. An LED light system on the roll hoop indicates how many OTS bursts each driver has used up.