FIA Formula Two Championship (2009–2012)

Named after both Jonathan Palmer and Patrick Head, the Williams JPH1[1] chassis and survival cell is of carbon fibre composite monocoque construction.[11] The car was designed to comply with 2005 FIA F1 Safety Regulations.[11] Head protection conforms to the latest 2009 F1 standards. Amongst many other detailed safety features, roadwheel tethers are incorporated.

The aerodynamics have been evolved to produce a high level of downforce, yet without losing too much front downforce when following other cars, to facilitate overtaking. To achieve this, about 40% of the downforce is produced from the underside, with full length ground effect tunnels,[11] similar to a GP2 car. The aerodynamics have been developed using the Williams F1 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer simulation which enables many different configurations to be tested without the need to actually build the parts and test in the wind tunnel. The car will have over 2,000 pounds (907 kg) of downforce at 150 miles per hour (241 km/h) – compared with, for example, an F3 car which would generate 1,750 pounds (794 kg).

The internal combustion engine is a new turbocharged petrol engine based on the Audi 1.8-litre 20 valve block and head,[2][3][11][13] as used in Formula Palmer Audi. Whereas the engine in the FPA car primarily uses standard road car components, the Audi F2 engine has been developed as a pure race engine.[11] Prepared and built by Mountune Racing,[13] the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, valves and camshafts are all-new components designed for high strength and light weight. The dry sump system has been re-designed so the engine sits 35 millimetres (1.4 in) lower than in the FPA car.

The turbocharger is an all new Garrett GT35 unit featuring roller bearings for improved response, with an external wastegate with high speed closed loop pneumatic valve boost control for absolutely precise automatic boost control. The engine management system is a Pi Research Pectel electronic engine control unit (ECU), the MQ12,[11] which has more capability than the unit in FPA.

For its initial 2009 season, continuous maximum engine power was 400 brake horsepower (298 kW; 406 PS) at 8,250 rpm.[11] The F2 car features a "push to pass/defend" overboost, with 450 brake horsepower (336 kW; 456 PS) being available for a maximum duration of 6 seconds, available ten times during each race.[11] From 2010, continuous base power was increased to 425 brake horsepower (317 kW; 431 PS), with an even higher gain from overboost to 480 brake horsepower (358 kW; 487 PS).

The transmission is a new unit designed by Hewland specifically for Formula Two, the TMT.[12] It has six forward speeds, and is operated by steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.[11]

The performance of the F2 car is behind a F1 car, but faster than a F3 car.[7] Its closest rival in terms of lap time is a Formula Renault 3.5.