OT: Formula Nippon

[Bazmeister]

Formula Nippon have recently changed their format. No longer are they running normal-aspirated engines like in GP2/F3000.

Chassis are provided by Swift Engineering, a manufacturer from San Clemente, CA and they look wicked! A precursor maybe when Indy cars return to the turbo formula in a couple of years?

Racing footage (Japanese)

[Wolf_pd]

Nice bodyshape. Always liked the sleek champcar shape over the over the top shapes in F1.

[racecraft]

sweet, but what's with the spotty roll-hoop?

[Shaggy Socal]

Formula Nippon also has a version of Push to Pass.
The spots on the roll hoop are LED lights that flash when the driver uses P2P.
Makes it easier for the fans to know when someone is "on the button."
The leading driver would also be able to see the lights in their mirrors.

Pretty smart if you ask me.

[Bazmeister]

The lights on the roll bar indicates the amount of "push-to-pass" available.

So judging from the photo each driver has 5 additional power boost during the race.

[Shaggy Socal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB5vykEC7tw