Organized racing events have been going on for over 100 years. This type of races were created as a result of the French people’s enthusiasm for the appearance of the automobile. The first race took place in 1894 on the Paris-Rouen route and the winner had an average speed of 12 miles per hour. As the automobile industry advanced and the average race speeds reached 100 miles per hour, the races were less safe therefore it was necessary to impose some rules to this types of events. Grand Prix motor racing was regulated according to a set of rules and that is how formula racing appeared.
Nowadays formula racing refers to a motor sport with an open wheeled single-seat vehicle. Formula racing involves 3 major competitions, Formula One, Formula Two and Formula Three. Of the three of them Formula 1 racing is the most prestigious type of racing. The rules for Formula One were established after WWII during the 1946 non-championship races. After 4 years, in 1950 the first world championship took place in the United Kingdom. The racing teams were led by the major car manufacturers from that time such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati. Although the powerful companies were competing against each other from before the war, these type of races drove them to achieve higher standards of quality performance wise.
Although Formula one has always been very popular, it was during the 70s that it started its real ascension. The Formula one president, Bernie Ecclestone changed the commercial rights management system and turned the small racing authority into a world class business. Although his first encounters with formula racing were as a formula 3 driver, ultimately he became the major authority for formula 1 racing.
Nowadays formula 1 racing is famous around the globe. It is the most high class single-seater auto racing under the government of the FIA. The cars that participate to these races are the fastest multi-turn circuit cars in the world. A complex mix of electronics, aerodynamics suspension and professional tires makes the formula 1 cars race with about 220 miles per hour. Although most of the races take place in Europe, the increased popularity of the sport has led to formula circuits being built across the globe. The races during the championship are still referred to as Grand Prix races. The competition reflects both on the drivers as well as on the car manufactures.
