Formula A
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Kartrace.jpg
Formula A (FA) is the top level of Go-cart racing or karting. This class uses 100cc two-stroke engines, which must be approved by the FIA. Chassis must be made by a manufacturer approved for Intercontinental A (ICA) or Intercontinental C but they can be prototypes.
As the Formula One of karting, Formula A has very high costs, and drivers typically spend $100,000 per year to compete. The FIA has recognised that this is a problem that prevents drivers from a non-wealthy background reaching their potential in motorsport and from 2007 will be using the cheaper 125cc Touch-and-Go engines instead.
Drivers typically compete in national competitions, then move into international racing in the ICA or JICA (Junior ICA) classes where they have to finish in the top 34 to qualify to compete in FA. Once in FA, drivers either stay for a few years to improve their skills before moving on to car racing, or they become professional kart racers and race in FA until they retire. Many—if not most—successful open-wheel racing drivers started their careers in karts.
The class is raced at national level and in continental and world championships.
Past champions
European Champions since 2000
- 2000 - Lewis Hamilton (GB), CRG/Parilla/Bridgestone
- 2001 - Carlo Van Dam (NL), Gillard/Parilla/Bridgestone
- 2002 - David Hemkemeyer (DE), Mach 1/KZH/Bridgestone
- 2003 - Bas Lammers (NL), Swiss Hutless/Vortex/Bridgestone
- 2004 - Nick De Bruijn (NL), Gillard/Parilla/Bridgestone