2016 Formula Virtual World Championship
2016 FVA Formula Virtual World Championship season | |
---|---|
Drivers' Champion: ![]() | |
Constructors' Champions: ![]() | |
Previous: 2015 | Next: 2017 |
Second tier: FV2 • VWRS | |
Third tier: FV3 • VERS • VARS • VOARS |
The 2016 Formula Virtual season was the fourth season of the Formula Virtual World Championship. The series is a virtual motor racing championship run by Nic Morley for members of the F1 Fanatic website and is recognised by the Formula Virtual Association (FVA) governing body as the highest class of competition for virtual motor racing. Teams and drivers participated in eighteen V-Prix's starting in Australia on 12 June and finishing in Brazil on 18 December as they competed for the World Drivers' and World Constructors' championships.
The 2016 season saw the grid expand to twenty-six cars with the addition of North Star while FIRST and Holmqvist replaced Lucas and Rossi respectively, the latter being announced just weeks before the season started. The calendar similarly expanded, with the Dutch V-Prix going ahead after problems meant the race did not run in 2015, and Turkey also joining the calendar with Bahrain returning too, at the expense of the South African round.
Elroy Wagner started the season as the defending Drivers' Champion after winning his first World Championship title at the 2015 Chinese V-Prix. His team, Franklin, started the season as the defending Constructors' Champion, having secured their third championship title at the 2015 Mexican V-Prix; however both were eliminated from contention in their respective championships following the Bahrain V-Prix, with Enrique Ruiz also being knocked out of contention following the United States V-Prix - marking the first time in Formula Virtual history that Franklin did not take either title.
Adrien Simon won his first World Drivers' Championship title in the final race of the season. He overcame a five-point lead held by his rookie team mate Olen Inman - who secured his maiden victory at the British V-Prix - by winning from pole position while Inman could only manage second place, and therefore claimed his maiden championship by two points. Johan Halvosen - who also scored his maiden victory at the season opening Australian V-Prix - finished third in the championship, a further sixty-two points behind.
As a result of their 1-2 in the Drivers' Championship, DS Mathershaw won their first Constructors' Championship at the Mexican V-Prix and ended the season with 484 points, 149 ahead of Meteor and 202 clear of third-placed FUN, who pipped Franklin in the final round of the season.
Teams and drivers
The following teams and drivers are currently taking part in the 2016 Formula Virtual World Championship.
Team changes
- A tender was opened early in 2015 for a thirteenth team to join the series. Teams that applied for the slot included FV2 teams Holmqvist, North Star Racing, Phoenix Motorsport, Formation Competition and FIRST Motorsport, while Spectre Motorsport and SEAT Sport Lukoil also applied. FIRST Motorsport were granted the spot using Ford engines[41], and Firestone tyres[43], meaning the others missed out, although Lucas missed the re-application deadline after disappearing from the paddock mid-way through 2015, with it later being confirmed they would not compete in the season, and a replacement was to be chosen from the initial entries for the thirteenth team.[46] On 17 January 2016, this team was confirmed to be North Star, who would be powered by BMW.[47] It was later announced they would run on Michelin tyres.[55]
- Liverpool and Mathershaw announced they will mutually part company at the end of 2015 season, with the entry being handed back to the latter party.[5] It was later confirmed the team had agreed a deal with PSA Group's DS Automobiles brand to become a works team, while DS have also entered into a technical partnership with Downton, who provide power units to the team.[6]
- Meteor confirmed they would split with engine partner Peugeot after two seasons with the French marque citing 'unacceptable performance'.[56] It was later announced they would be powered by Virgin Motors, a new division of the Virgin Group.[26] They also confirmed they would switch their base to the United States, and therefore run under a US license.[24]
- Warrior announced they would abandon their Greek base for a relocation to Switzerland and with it a change of team identity.[57] On 28th April 2016 it was announced the team would be re-branded as Lopez FV Team after founder Dylan Lopez, and that they had a secured a Downton engine deal.[39]
- Downton announced prior to the 2015 Japanese V-Prix that they would switch tyre supplier from Firestone to Michelin for 2016.[58]
- Prior to pre-season testing Rossi had failed to announce any drivers, though it was rumoured Puccio Giodano had been signed. As the team failed to show during testing, announce any drivers or give any reason as to their absence, series CEO Nic Morley took the decision to replace them with Holmqvist.[52]
Driver changes
- Downton junior driver Kiara Thunder was promoted to the series having met a contractual performance clause in her 2015 FV2 series campaign.[59] On 2nd October it was announced both Marcus Thunder and Nathaniel Powers would remain with Downton until the end of 2017,[17] with a later announcement confirming Kiara on loan at Ocelot for the 2016 season.[35] Following pre-season testing new team Holmqvist announced Kiara would instead drive for them in 2016 and would be partnered by Aron Einarsson, on loan from Franklin. As a result of the deal Felipe Cesar - who had been signed by Holmqvist having been released by Ocelot - would act as the Franklin reserve. Meanwhile Sebastian Bergkvist was signed as the reserve for Holmqvist.[3]
- Before her departure, Kiara was due to race at Ocelot alongside Karl Beckenbauer, who was announced as a driver early in 2015;[36] which combined with DS' separation from Vauxhall resulted in Beckenbauer and the team parting ways mid-way through 2015, and him moving to Warrior from the Belgian V-Prix.[60] This left 2015 Ocelot driver Judson Sikes without a race seat, although the team did confirm he would act as reserve driver, but that they working to find him a seat.[61] It was later announced he would race for new team North Star[50] and Hilario Bull would step into the reserve role.[34] Upon Kiara's departure it was speculated Sikes may return to the team, but it was confirmed on the eve of the new season that Puccio Giodano would join the team instead, having been left without a drive when Rossi withdrew, [37] leaving Scott Parsons and Hugh Dwyer without drives.
- Beckenbauer's place at DS was set to be taken by Jochem van Snelheid, who was promoted into the series on a two year contract by Westwood but loaned on a one year deal to DS,[13] however it was later announced Olen Inman would instead drive for the team,[11] with van Snelheid spending a year on loan at Lopez.[16] As a result of this Abel Osterhagen was demoted to reserve driver while Michal Kubat and Ivan Lesic left the team.
- Lewis Ellington was signed by Westwood from Lucas, with it initially suspected he would race alongside Will Hoskins in 2016.[13] It was later announced however a deal had been agreed for Ellington to instead move to AMR, with Tumo Kinnumen retaining his Westwood drive.[16] Jarod Lindsey was later signed to fill the reserve role at AMR, leaving Hiroto Nakumaya and Gerard Alaniz without seats.[23]
- Arden Hutchinson will depart Meteor for new entrant FIRST, with whom he signed a two year contract[43] after falling out with Meteor management part way through 2015. Johan Halvosen - who replaced Hutchinson from the 2015 German V-Prix - will step into the seat full time.[29] Douglas Bacon will return to the series after a year out, partnering Hutchinson at FIRST.[45]
- Kip Maxwell will switch reserve duties from Downton to DS following a loan deal.[9] 2015 VERS champion Dmytro Kovalenko will join Downton in place of Maxwell.[18]
- Luke Stokey and Emma Wilson joined Meteor as reserve drivers from Franklin and Lucas respectively, while Ezequiel Tanner wasn't re-signed.[28] Jamie Gerrard also joined the team from DS, however will spend the season on loan at FIRST as their reserve driver.[44]
- Aleksy Nowosinki makes the step up to Formula Virtual with new outfit North Star having finished 6th in the 2015 FV2 Series season. He will race alongside former VWRS team mate Sikes while Jacinto van Slooten joins from the outgoing Lucas team to act as reserve driver.[51]
- Yrjänä Vähäsöyrinki was promoted from FUN's young driver academy to act as their reserve driver, replacing Giani Ledesma.[31]
- Nikolajis Christodoulou was signed by Westwood as their test and reserve driver for the season.[12]
- As a result of Rossi leaving the series Enzo Domenicalli and reserve driver Jonas Phipps were left without seats.[52]
Mid-season changes
- Prior to DS Mathershaw's home race at the French V-Prix the team announced VWRS driver and youth academy member Allar Kangur would step up to the role of test and reserve driver. [10]
- During the French V-Prix weekend Westwood announced they had purchased the loan of Kip Maxwell's contract from DS Mathershaw.[62] It was later confirmed he would be replacing Will Hoskins - who would be moving to FUN [14] in place of Romano Agostino. [32]
- Aron Einarsson was ruled out of the Belgian V-Prix on medical grounds, so Holmqvist reserve driver Sebastian Bergkvist stepped into the seat. [54] Einarsson was expected to return for Italy, but failed a medical prior to practice [63] and eventually returned at the following round in Turkey. [64]
- Nikolajis Christodoulou replaced Kip Maxwell at Westwood from the Belgian V-Prix onwards. [15]
- During the Belgian V-Prix, Ocelot driver Puccio Giodano suffered a heavy accident and was subsequently ruled out of the following race in Italy. He was replaced by reserve driver Hilario Bull [38] until the Canadian V-Prix, when he returned. [65]
Calendar
The following eighteen events are scheduled to take place in 2016.[66]
Round | V-Prix | Circuit | Date |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Australian V-Prix | ![]() |
12 June |
2 | Malaysian V-Prix | ![]() |
19 June |
3 | Chinese V-Prix | ![]() |
26 June |
4 | Japanese V-Prix | ![]() |
3 July |
5 | French V-Prix | ![]() |
10 July |
6 | Spanish V-Prix | ![]() |
24 July |
7 | British V-Prix | ![]() |
7 August |
8 | German V-Prix | ![]() |
14 August |
9 | Dutch V-Prix | ![]() |
4 September |
10 | Belgian V-Prix | ![]() |
11 September |
11 | Italian V-Prix | ![]() |
18 September |
12 | Turkish V-Prix | ![]() |
25 September |
13 | Bahrain V-Prix | ![]() |
31 October * |
14 | Canadian V-Prix | ![]() |
6 November |
15 | United States V-Prix | ![]() |
13 November |
16 | Mexican V-Prix | ![]() |
20 November |
17 | Portuguese V-Prix | ![]() |
4 December |
18 | Brazilian V-Prix | ![]() |
18 December |
* The Bahrain V-Prix was due to run on 30 October, however a severe sandstorm caused the postponement of the race until 31 October. [67]
Calendar changes
- The Emirates V-Prix was scheduled to join the calendar with Formula Virtual anticipated to head to the United Arab Emirates for the first time with a race in Dubai.[68] Disputes with series organiser Nic Morley saw the race cancelled however, and replaced with the Bahrain V-Prix, which returned to the calendar after a one-year absence.[69]
- Turkey also joined the calendar with the series heading to Istanbul, while the Dutch V-Prix had its maiden race after the 2015 event didn't go ahead due to bugs with the circuit. While originally planned to happen at Zandvoort, the V-Prix actually took place at Assen. Argentina was also due to hold it's maiden race but continued problems resulted in it being dropped from the calendar and replaced with Portugal, which had originally lost out to accommodate the Argentina round. [70]
- As a result of the additions South Africa lost its place after just one seasons.[66]
- The United States V-Prix was scheduled to change location with Long Beach hosting the race in place of Indianapolis[66], but the race remained in Indianapolis after the FVA decided that the Long Beach circuit was not ready to host the race.
- As per the alternating agreement between Monza and Imola, the Italian V-Prix will be held at Monza in 2016.[71]
- A number of date changes will take place in 2016, with races being grouped together depending on their geographical location.[66]
Rule changes
Nose variations
2016 will see differences in nose designs for the first time. The high nose is beneficial to top speed while the low nose is beneficial to aero, and every team must choose one. With each nose design will come 12% development points that must be distributed in favour of the teams preferred nose; high nose choices must have more points weighted on engine, low nose must have points more points on aero. Regardless of nose choice, each area must have at least 1% development point.
Development points
As per the previous season, development points will be awarded to teams who keep their drivers on board. 12% will be awarded to a team per driver that is kept on, meaning a total of 24% can be gained. To be eligible for this a driver must have competed in every race - with the exception of two only - of the previous season, and must also remain part of the same team for at least the first four races of the current season, with bonuses to be applied from round five, the start of the European season.
Champions bonus
As per the above, the Champion is subject to a further bonus. Instead of the 12%, the Champion gets 16% but will take it with him to whichever team he joins. Should he remain at the same team, they will gain 16% instead of 12%.
Driver loans / reserve drivers
No driver loaned to another team can act as a reserve/test driver for the team to which they are contracted. Teams may recall their driver should the situation arise, but cannot officially list the loaned driver as a test/reserve driver, meaning they will need another as it is a rule every team must have at least one reserve. No driver can be contracted to two teams at once unless on a loan deal, so no more sharing test drivers.
Strategy deadlines
New rules will be implemented to crack down on teams missing strategy deadlines so races can always go up on time. Nic will set a deadline and it will be firm. If it is not met, one of the following penalties will apply depending on how many times the team has missed a strategy entry:
- First offence - Exclusion from qualifying and a 10-second penalty applied to each drivers race time.
- Second offence - Exclusion from qualifying and a 20-second penalty applied to each drivers race time.
- Third offence - Exclusion from the weekend.
Strategies
After refuelling was used to dictate strategies for the first three seasons, it will be scrapped for 2016, with tyre choice instead dictating strategies. Each team will have the choice of Super Softs, Softs, Mediums and Hards for each race, but can only choose one compound per car to run for the entire race, with drivers pitting once their tyres are suitably worn.
Stewards enquiries
Formula Virtual CEO Nic Morley will act as sole steward for the 2016 season, applying penalties as necessary for any incidents. For an incident to be investigated it must first be reported on the forum.
Finances
For the first time in the series' history the prize money and driver prices is set to remain largely the same, with only a few minor modifications to accommodate the addition of a thirteenth team and in turn, extra drivers;
Constructors
- 1st: £40,000,000
- 2nd: £37,000,000
- 3rd: £34,000,000
- 4th: £31,000,000
- 5th: £29,000,000
- 6th: £27,000,000
- 7th: £26,000,000
- 8th: £25,000,000
- 9th: £24,000,000
- 10th: £23,000,000
- 11th: £22,000,000
- 12th: £21,000,000
- 13th: £20,000,000
Drivers
- 1st: £14,000,000
- 2nd: £12,000,000
- 3rd: £11,000,000
- 4th: £10,000,000
- 5th: £9,000,000
- 6th: £8,000,000
- 7th: £7,500,000
- 8th: £7,000,000
- 9th: £6,500,000
- 10th: £6,000,000
- 11th: £5,000,000
- 12th: £4,500,000
- 13th: £4,000,000
- 14th: £3,500,000
- 15th: £3,000,000
- 16th: £2,500,000
- 17th: £2,000,000
- 18th: £1,750,000
- 19th: £1,500,000
- 20th: £1,250,000
- 21st: £1,000,000
- 22nd: £900,000
- 23rd: £800,000
- 24th: £700,000
- 25th: £600,000
- 26th and below: £500,000
Season report
Pre-season
Young Driver Test
- See also: 2016 Formula Virtual Young Driver Test
The Young Driver Test once again took place, this time after the season ending Brazilian V-Prix. The test took place in Jerez on 21st and 22nd December with Thierry Xylander and Allar Kangur setting the pace on each day respectively, with Kangur also posting the fastest time from the test overall.
Results and standings
V-Prix's
Drivers' standings
Points are awarded to the top ten classified finishers using the following structure:
Position | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Points | 25 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
|
|
1 Tumo Kinnumen retired on the final lap of the Spanish V-Prix, however all drivers behind him had been lapped - resulting in him securing eighth position and the four points that accompany it.
Constructors' standings
|
|
1 Tumo Kinnumen retired on the final lap of the Spanish V-Prix, however all drivers behind him had been lapped - resulting in him securing eighth position and the four points that accompany it.
References
- ↑ Franklin launch confirms Honda engines
- ↑ Wagner and Einarsson announced at Franklin
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Holmqvist announce 2016 line-up
- ↑ Ruiz confirmed for 2016, Honda not
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Liverpool withdraw from Formula Virtual
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 DS Automobiles to enter 2016 FV World Championship
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Downton announce DS tie-in
- ↑ DS Automobiles re-sign Simon for 2016
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 DS sign Maxwell for 2016
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Allar Kangur signed as test and reserve driver for 2016 and 2017
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 DS announce 2016 line-up
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Westwood unveil WR04
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 van Snelheid gets 2016 drive
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Hoskins completes move to FUN
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Championship leader Simon out front in Spa
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Westwood drivers 2016 announcements
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Downton duo to stay on for another two years
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Kovalenko signed as Downton reserve for 2016
- ↑ Ingram confirm Milkovich for two more years
- ↑ Ingram finalise 2016 line-up
- ↑ Ingram confirm Mattson for 2016
- ↑ Beyer to continue with AMR
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Lindsey joins AMR
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Meteor confirm sale
- ↑ Meteor announce chassis name
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Virgin power for Meteor
- ↑ No changes for Harrison at Meteor
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Meteor 2016 reserve drivers
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Johan Halvosen confirmed for 2016 Meteor seat
- ↑ Agostino to stay at FUN for another season
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Vähäsöyrinki to join FUN FV as a reserve driver
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Hoskins to replace Agostino
- ↑ Davenport signs new 1-year deal
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Ocelot confirm WANDA chassis and Bull reserve
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Kiara Thunder to race for Ocelot in 2016
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 Beckenbauer switches to Ocelot
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 Ocelot signs Giodano
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 [1]
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Dylan Lopez reveals all
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 Lopez reveals more
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 FIRST Motorsport join 2016 grid
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 FIRST present the Inspire 16
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 FIRST announce lead driver and tyre supplier
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 Gerrard joins FIRST as test driver
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 FIRST announce second driver
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 Lucas not competing in 2016; the lookout for the thirteenth spot begins
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 North Star Racing join 2016 grid
- ↑ North Star NSR-V01 unveiled
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 Sikes to race for North Star in 2016
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 Nowosinki and van Slooten North Star 2016
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 52.3 Holmqvist replaces Rossi
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 Holmqvist unveil FH-001
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 Bergkvist in for Einarsson
- ↑ Michelin to supply North Star
- ↑ Meteor confirm Peugeot separation
- ↑ Warrior to leave Greece, race under a new name
- ↑ Downton switch Michelin 2016
- ↑ 'Kiara Thunder will race in 2016' - Downton
- ↑ Liverpool overhaul driver line-up with immediate effect
- ↑ Ocelot working on Sikes 2016 race seat
- ↑ Westwood reel in Kipper
- ↑ Hoskins tops close practice at Monza
- ↑ Simon storms pole with single lap in Turkey qualifying
- ↑ Simon takes third consecutive pole
- ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 66.3 2016 race schedule revealed
- ↑ Severe sandstorm delays Bahrain V-Prix
- ↑ Dubai to feature on 2016 race schedule
- ↑ Bahrain replaces Dubai
- ↑ Argentine V-Prix in imminent danger of being scrapped
External links
Formula Virtual seasons | |||||
2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024 • 2025 • 2026 |