Super Formula trials 'hybrid' body panels in latest next-gen test

Japan's premier single-seater category announced a major development programme for its SF19 chassis ahead of the start of the 2022 season as it bids to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the current car's raceability.

After a first test at Fuji Speedway last month in which carbon-neutral fuel and Yokohama tyres featuring a proportion of reusable materials were tried out, sidepods and engine covers made from flax - supplied by Swiss company Bcomp - made their on-track debut on Monday.

As at Fuji, Hiroaki Ishiura and Koudai Tsukakoshi were on hand to drive the two development cars for the two-day test.

However, amid concerns that purely flax-based panels may not be strong enough, a 'hybrid' solution featuring both flax and carbon fibre was also put through its paces at Suzuka.

 

Super Formula's next-gen project technical director Yoji Nagai suggested that the hybrid version, featuring around 70 percent flax, is the more likely option for implementation in the championship in 2023.

"There are three main weaknesses when it comes to ‘Bcomp’," said ex-Toyota F1 man Nagai. "It’s not as strong as carbon fibre, it's less heat resistant, and the fibres themselves can absorb water easily.

"So this time, as well as body panels made entirely from flax, we brought along a ‘hybrid’ version featuring a three-layer construction designed to address those points.

"My personal opinion is that it’s difficult with ‘Bcomp’ alone, because the strength of the flax itself is limited. Of course, 100 percent 'Bcomp' would be the ideal solution for the future, but this hybrid version is made with about 70 percent carbon-neutral materials.

"Rather than having zero percent thought it was better to use that as a starting point, and increase the percentage later."

 

Nagai added that while the number of panels on the car that can be made from 100 percent flax is limited, figuring out what proportion of carbon-neutral materials could be used in future remains a worthwhile exercise.

"It’s believed that for example it wouldn’t be possible to use [pure flax] for the rear wing, which is subjected to a lot of [aerodynamic] force," he said.

"Even 70 percent might be difficult, what about 50 percent? I think if we can do this kind of thing, the hybrid solution is a good idea.

"The monocoque itself is also difficult, so I think that will remain fully carbon fibre, but I think we have the option to mix in other materials and reduce the proportion of carbon fibre in the future."

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