Launched in Britain in 1967, Formula Ford used a 1600cc ‘Kent’ engine direct from the Ford range. The formula allowed engineers to design their own steel spaceframe chassis to use with the engine, and launched the careers of many great motorsport engineers, technicians and teams.
The Formula flourished in the ’70s and ’80s with exceptional numbers of competitors producing worthy champions around the world. The closeness of the racing became a defining quality of Formula Ford, which has continued to this day.
The Formula Ford EcoBoost represents the biggest change in the formula’s history. But 47 years on, it remains true to its founding principles.
Jenson Button – words from a champion
“Formula Ford was a great championship for me to start my career in single-seater cars. For drivers making the step up from karts to cars, Formula Ford couldn’t be a better championship to introduce rookies to open-wheel racing.
“After winning the British Formula Ford Championship and the Formula Ford Festival, the next step up for me was Formula 3. I definitely think that Formula Ford gave me the right preparation and experience needed to move up again in my career.”