Australian Formula 1
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Australian Formula 1 was an open-wheeler racing car category introduced by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport in 1971. It replaced the 2.5 litre Australian National Formula which had been Australia’s premier racing category from 1964 to 1970.
Initially Australian Formula 1 was a two part formula catering for racing cars fitted with 5.0 litre production based pushrod V8 engines (internationally known as Formula 5000 cars) and those fitted with less restricted racing engines of up to 2.0 litre capacity. The 2.0 litre option was discontinued after 1976.
In 1979 Formula Pacific cars fitted with 1.6 litre production based four cylinder engines became eligible for Australian Formula 1 alongside the existing 5.0 litre cars and 1980 saw the addition of 3.0 litre FIA Formula One cars to the mix. From 1982 Australian Formula 1 was restricted to Formula Pacific cars only.
In 1984 Australian Formula 1 was replaced as Australia’s premier open-wheeler category by Formula Mondial, an FIA approved international formula for cars fitted with 1.6 litre Ford four cylinder engines.
The Australian Drivers' Championship (for the CAMS Gold Star award) was open to drivers of Australian Formula 1 cars throughout the life of the formula, i.e. from 1971 to 1983. During those years the term Australian Formula 1 Championship was often used in lieu of Australian Drivers Championship however the former title is used by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport at www.camsmanual.com.au for all Gold Star related series.
The Australian Grand Prix was contested by Australian Formula 1 cars during the years 1971 to 1983.
[edit] References
- CAMS Manuals of Motor Sport, 1964 through 1984
- www.camsmanual.com.au
