Formula First or Formula Ford?

[vxdave]

I am booked on the Silverstone Race School, 4 day course next month in a Formula First car. I believe you can upgrade to a Formula Ford for £500!

Having only ever had one lap in a First and having never driven a Ford, I don’t know if it’s worth upgrading. Does anyone have experience with these 2 motors? Will I get more out of the course if I pay extra for the Formula Ford?

I am doing this course mainly to improve my driving on track days but would like to start racing when funds allow.

Any help greatly appreciated!

[daydreamer]

I paid the extra and did the formula ford version of the course. I also got an offer to get a second race which is well worth it.

Essentially, the only difference between the cars is about 0.5s on lap time, but the fords have the Hewland gearbox, which is an absolute joy, whereas the firsts have a road gearbox. I never regretted the extra money (afterall it is hardly a cheap course), but the firsts obviously represent better value

One of the first drivers couldn't be fit into his second race and so did ours in a Ford. He was blown away by the difference.

Rich

ps - I did it to help with track days too. Unfortunately this happened:-


So my time is now spent saving up for the next race .

[Simon Mason]

The difference is purely in gearbox type from a training point of view.

If your doing the course to learn for increased track day confidence then the Formula First is your car. Had you said you were going to race a Formula Ford or perhaps a Touring car in other words womething with a racing type gearbox, then I would say do the course in Formula Ford.

[iguana]

Only driven a Formula first, loved it, a revelation over road cars, even track prepped ones, I was however too tall to comfortably fit in the offered Formula Ford at the time (diferent manufactuers chassis are differet sizes tho)

I was told at the time that for a ham fisted goon like me the First was an easier to drive & the F Ford altho a bit quicker was more suitable for a real racer, rather than a mere talentless lizard

[Racylady]

I'd go for the Formula Ford. You'll get a go in the Formula Firsts anyway to do some of the skid control stuff - but when it comes to the race I'm sure you're like any other man and want to win and, to put it plainly, that's more likely to happen in the Formula Ford than the First!

[steve rance]

I have raced both and instructed at Racing schools offering both options. If you want to learn, start in the First. They are easier to drive, softer and more forgiving. If you want a quick buzz, go for the formular ford..

Steve R

[kickstart]

If the First is the same cars that raced at the end of the 1980's they were fun but compared to a Ford rubbish. The gearbox on a first is off a Fiesta and is slung on one side rather than being central like the Hewland on a FF hence I remember the First cornering rather differently on lefts/rights.

[vxdave]

Phoned Silverstone today and they actually want an extra £750. Decided this could be better spent on some new brakes for my VX, plus the First is more suited to my requirements from the course.

to all for the useful advice.

[original_tigger]

I have only driven the ffirst, initially at a race school and then I went on to buy one to race and test. The car is fantastic fun, very quick on the corners can sometimes tend towards a bit of oversteer but very exciting all the same. I still have mine in excellent condition if anyones interested in one of these. I would certainly recommend race schools to gain an understanding and well run track days are great value for building up track time experience.