The Tatuus F4-T014 is a junior formula racing car introduced in 2014 by Italian manufacturer Tatuus. The basic chassis is also used in the Tatuus MSV F4-016, Tatuus USF-17 and the Tatuus PM-18.

A Tatuus F4-T014 competing in the 2015 German F4 series.

F4-T014 and MSV F4-016

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The Tatuus F4-T014 was the first racing car homologated according to the FIA Formula 4 rules.[1] The car was first used in the 2014 Italian F4 Championship, won by Lance Stroll.[2] As of 2015 the chassis is also used in the ADAC Formula 4 and the SMP F4 Championship.[3][4] The Italian manufacturer also got competition with Mygale and Dome entering the FIA Formula 4 market in separate championships. In 2016 Tatuus expanded further supplying the proven chassis to the Spanish and UAE championships. All Tatuus Formula 4 chassis are powered by the Abarth 1.4L inline 4 engine.

The BRDC Formula 4 Championship (not to be confused with the F4 British Championship) was launched by MotorSport Vision using the RFR MSV F4-013 chassis. Tatuus adapted the Tatuus F4-014 chassis to a more powerful Cosworth-Duratec engine. The car was first used in the 2015 BRDC Formula 4 Autumn Trophy won by Ben Barnicoat. The engine used has 70hp more than the Formula 4 spec version, making the car 10 seconds a lap quicker at most circuits.[5][6] Besides the more powerful engine, the MSV version also has more aero adjustable components.[7]

Tatuus was announced as the sole chassis supplier for the USF2000 in October 2015. The Tatuus USF-17 replaced the ageing Van Diemen DP08, a tube chassis racecar in use since 2008. To cope with the added risk of racing on oval circuits the car was updated with zylon side intrusion panels. The car is powered by a 2.0L Mazda engine.[8] The USF2000 chassis is also the base car for the Pro Mazda chassis. The Pro Mazda car features the most powerful engine of all F4 based cars, a 2.0L Mazda MZR-PM18A. The engine, developed by Elite Engines, produces 275hp.[9] Mazda factory driver Joel Miller was selected to test drive both the USF-17 and PM-18.[10][11] The entire car, with modifications, can be used in all three USAC-sanctioned tiers of the Road to Indy, from USF Juniors (JR-23), to USF2000 (USF-22), to Pro 2000 (PRO-22).

Car comparison

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Tatuus F4-T014 Tatuus MSV F4-016 Tatuus USF-17 Tatuus PM-18
Year 2014 2016 2017 2018
     
Championships Italian Formula 4 Championship
ADAC Formula 4
SMP F4 Championship
Spanish Formula 4 Championship
Formula 4 UAE Championship
BRDC British Formula 3 Championship USF2000 Pro Mazda
Chassis FIA Formula 4 homologated
carbon fibre composite monocoque
FIA Formula 4 homologated
carbon fibre composite monocoque
carbon fibre composite monocoque carbon fibre composite monocoque
Bodywork Fibre glass Fibre glass Carbon fibre Carbon fibre
Engine Abarth 1.4L FTJ I4 (160hp) Cosworth-Duratec 2.0L I4 (230hp) Mazda 2.0L MZR (175hp) Mazda 2.0L MZR-PM18A (275hp)
Transmission Sequential Sadev six-speed gearbox Sequential Sadev six-speed gearbox Sequential Sadev SL75 six-speed gearbox Sequential Sadev SL75 six-speed gearbox
ECU Magneti Marelli Magneti Marelli Cosworth SQ6 Cosworth SQ6
Front suspension Double wishbone with pushrods Double wishbone with pushrods Double wishbone with pushrods Double wishbone with pushrods
Rear suspension Double wishbone with pushrods Double wishbone with pushrods Double wishbone with pushrods Double wishbone with pushrods
Wheelbase 2750mm 2750mm 2750mm 2750mm
Front track 1510mm 1510mm 1560mm 1560mm
Rear track 1460mm 1460mm 1510mm 1510mm

References

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  1. ^ "Tatuus FIA F.4". Tatuus. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  2. ^ "THE PROMOTION OF THE NEW ITALIAN ACI CSAI FORMULA 4 CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRUSTED TO WSK PROMOTION. THE NEW CATEGORY HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY CONCEIVED BY FIA TO TRAIN YOUNG DRIVERS COMING FROM KART-RACING TO GET USED TO SINGLESEATER CARS". F4 Championship. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  3. ^ "Dutch F4: KNAF en MP Motorsport: "Hier komen straks de echte talenten bovendrijven"". Autosport.nl. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  4. ^ "Tatuus to supply ADAC Formula 4 chassis". ADAC Motorsport. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  5. ^ "The return of British Formula 3". Motorsport Magazine. 31 March 2016.
  6. ^ "BRDC Formula 4 to use Tatuus FIA F4 chassis from late 2015". Autosport. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  7. ^ "TATUUS - COSWORTH MSV F3 - 016". Tatuus. Archived from the original on 22 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  8. ^ "TATUUS CHOSEN TO SUPPLY USF2000, PRO MAZDA CARS". Indycar. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  9. ^ "Tatuus PM-18 Specifications". Pro Mazda. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  10. ^ "TATUUS USF-17 PROTOTYPE ROAD COURSE TESTING CONCLUDES". USF2000. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  11. ^ "Joel Miller testing the new Tatuus PM-18". motorsport.com. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
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