The iRacing version of this car is as close to the real thing as you could possibly get. Every detail of the Dallara F3, including engine sounds, the exact cockpit and, of course, amazing handling and physics, has been captured in excruciating detail.
Introduction To The Dallara F3
The 2018 Dallara F3 is a single-seat open-wheel car that was used in the FIA Formula 3 Championship as well as several other F3 championships around the world.
These championships act as a feeder series for Formula 1 as well as for other categories of motorsport. The Dallara F3 is designed to have specific handling characteristics and features that allow young drivers to best prepare for F2 and, eventually, Formula 1.
The Dallara F3’s Specifications
- Chassis: Carbon fibre monocoque
- Engine: 2000 cc, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated with 220 hp coupled to a 6-speed gearbox
- Dimensions: Length (4351 mm / 179.4 in), Weight (550 Kg / 1213 lb minimum including driver)
- Fuel tank: 45.5 L / 12.0 gal
So, what does this actually mean? Well, it’s the perfect formula for a uniquely handling nimble formula car that can produce some of the best action you will find on iRacing.
220hp might not sound like much, but when it’s paired with a car that weighs just 550KG and a huge amount of downforce from its wings and aerodynamic devices, suddenly you really don’t need much more.
The iRacing Dallara F3 series
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The Dallara F3 is available to race in both a fixed setup and open setup series. Both series feature the usual twelve-week season with full grids every day for every time slot. Read our guide on the Dallara F3 series here.
The Format
Two series run during the same time slot on alternating hours for the Dallara F3. At a quarter past each hour, you’ll be able to race in either the Formula C Dallara F3 Championship fixed or open series.
Close Racing To Be Had
Despite this technical difference, both series adopt the same format:
- Three minutes of practice takes place at the beginning of each race session
- Qualifying consists of eight minutes or two timed laps
- Races vary in their number of laps each week but always equate to 25 minutes in length
The short form factor that Dallara F3 races use means that you don’t need to worry about fuel saving or tyre management, much like in many Formula 3-level series in the real world of racing, and this creates close racing each and every time.
Why drive the Dallara F3?
As mentioned before, the Dallara F3 is a feeder series for higher categories of motorsport both in real racing and in iRacing.
Packed Grids
The packed grids, frenetic racing with constant wheel-to-wheel action and accurate vehicle dynamics combined with a realistic tyre model help prepare you for just about any other series in iRacing.
This essentially means that if you can be successful in the Dallara F3, then you’ll probably be successful in any other iRacing series.
High Downforce
Furthermore, being a downforce-focused car, it really helps you learn the skills of driving a vehicle that is more sensitive to how you drive, setting you up perfectly to attack some of the faster downforce cars in iRacing.
It’s therefore essential that you use this series to hone your skills and, if needed, lean on Coach Dave Academy to give you the extra support to become a successful racing driver.
