Pf EXTENSION TO CLASS 2

Performance Factor or Pf, a new classification method for hillclimb cars, continues to grow in application in national championships. Previously limited to “production cars”, “Pf” will soon expand to prototypes and single-seat cars. Initially in 2023, the Pf will be applied to category 2 on a trial basis at the European Hill Climb Championships, before being fully incorporated into the rules in 2024.

“Performance Factor” is a method that uses easily measurable technical characteristics of cars to give them a “Pf” value, which is used to classify cars into different groups. Competitors enter information about their car that represents the factors affecting the car’s performance. This calculation uses these factors such as race weight, engine, aerodynamic, transmission and chassis parameters to create a “Pf” value.

In addition to the European Mountain Climbing Championships, Pf is used in dozens of national championships in Europe and the Middle East, the most recent of which are Austria, Luxembourg and Germany. Pf opens a new era for defining classes or groups in motorsport and its principles can be used for other sports as well; in fact, some slalom organizers already use it.

Pf in category 1 is now established after three years of experimentation and two full seasons of EC use. The new 2023 version of Class 1 Pf will be available online within two weeks at www.fiaperformancefactor.com. This new version requires all drivers to obtain a technical document for their car identified by the code “Y4” which is attached to the Pf identification number.

For 2023, the minimum weight calculation for every class 1 car is the biggest change. This replaces a tiered minimum weight that only uses engine capacity. The new system is based on the Pf motor coefficient value “Pfe” using a graduated weighing scale. Two weighing scales are introduced depending on the level of safety equipment used in the car. The lower minimum weight scale requires that the roll cage (roll cage) must be FIA ​​approved or ASN certified, the seat meets the latest FIA standards (FIA 8855-2021 or FIA 8862-2009) and the FIA ​​fuel tank is inside the defined perimeter of the safety structure. The lowest weight value is shown in the calculation on the website and in the unique Pf technical information sheet of each car. This is an additional result to the minimum competition weight declared by the competitors.

Online Pf simulations remain free; However, a fee of 85 euros is charged for the issuance of Pf’s technical reports, which is paid on the website by credit card. This fee is valid for printing the first three technical forms per driver during the year. Each additional technical form, beyond the first three of the same driver, can be obtained by paying a fee of 5.

The Hill Climb now has special technical regulations, Article 258 in Annex J of the International Sporting Code. Class 1 cars use Article 258-1 (applicable from 1 January 2023) and Article 258-2 is dedicated to Class 2 cars (applicable from 1 January 2024).

In 2023, in the European Championships and the International Hill Climb Cup, category 2 cars must comply with the technical annex of the relevant sports regulations, which includes the requirements for e.g. of the speed limits of naturally aspirated engines, 42.25 mm. a limiter for turbocharged engines, the use of an FIA-approved data acquisition system, a new minimum weight scale and a minimum ground clearance of 45mm. The complete rules can be found at https://www.fia.com/regulation/category/738

Hill Climb Commission Chairman Dusan Koblisek said: Performance factor methodology is becoming the backbone of hillclimbing. Two technical working groups have been established to help oversee its application to closed cars and its introduction to Class 2 cars. Pf will undoubtedly help the regional, national and international development of Hill Climb and give the industry a consistent and harmonized technical approach with comprehensive virtues.