Super Formula SF23

Know everything about iRacing's Super Formula SF23 including technical specs, braking tips and more.

Image © iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations

Chassis

Weight 1322 lbs

Drive RWD

Power

Engine 2.0 Liters

Power 550 bhp

Torque 354 lb-ft

Brakes

Type Manual Bias

Pad Compounds 3 Compounds

Electronics None

Bias Range

Adjustable

ABS

None

Downforce

Medium

Setup

Advanced

How the Super Formula SF23 Handles Braking

The Super Formula SF23 features adjustable brake pressure bias with visual temperature monitoring through the steering wheel LED cluster. The system provides real-time feedback when brakes fall below operating temperature—critical in open-wheel cars where cold brakes dramatically reduce stopping power and consistency. This makes the out-lap crucial for building brake temperature before pushing hard into corners.

Brake bias adjustment directly influences corner entry balance in this lightweight formula car. Higher front bias induces understeer under braking, while shifting rearward can destabilize the rear end and trigger lockups. The key is finding a bias that maximizes braking force without locking either axle—particularly important given the car's high downforce levels that increase braking capability at speed but decrease it in slower corners.

Setup elements like front bump damping and heave spring rates significantly affect brake zone stability by controlling pitch under deceleration. The differential's coast angle also plays a role—lower angles increase rear locking force during braking, adding understeer but improving stability. Understanding these interactions helps you optimize both peak braking performance and the car's behavior during trail-braking phases.

Grounded in official iRacing manual data

Practice in the App

Stop Guessing, Start Improving

Many drivers slam the brakes with all their strength, but the fastest modulate pressure, use the brake to rotate the car, and exit as fast as possible. Train that skill here.

Train Anywhere, Anytime

Browser-based training works with any racing pedals or controllers. Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Logitech, Simucube — no installation required.

Pro-Designed Exercises

Access exercises created by professional sim racers like Suellio Almeida. Learn the exact braking patterns used by the fastest drivers.

Import Super Formula SF23 Telemetry

Drop your Garage61 lap CSV and extract braking data for every corner. Generate personalized practice exercises based on YOUR telemetry, not generic patterns.

Track Your Progress

View session history, performance trends, and best scores. Watch yourself improve over time and stay motivated to practice.

And There's Much More

Improve your braking technique with this car and much more:

Create Custom Exercises

Build from templates, draw brake curves, or record with your pedal

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Exercises & Progress Tracking

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3 Essential Setup Tips

Tip 1

Brake Bias

Brake bias controls front/rear brake force distribution. Start with 56-58% front for most cars. Engine placement matters: front-engine cars need more front bias (58-62%), mid-engine cars run balanced (54-58%), rear-engine cars need less (50-54%). Understeering under braking? Add 1-2% front bias. Rear feels loose in braking zones? Reduce front bias by 1-2%.

Tip 2

Know Your Car

Check if your car has ABS, traction control, or brake mapping. ABS allows later braking but can increase stopping distance—adjust activation threshold in setup. High-downforce cars brake later and harder at speed but lose grip quickly as downforce bleeds off. Low-downforce cars require earlier, progressive braking with more trail-braking to rotate.

Tip 3

Quick Fixes

Locking fronts frequently? Reduce front bias 1-2% or brake earlier with gradual pressure. Car won't turn in under braking? Increase front bias 1% and practice trail-braking deeper into corners. Rear unstable in braking zones? Reduce rear bias or use smoother pedal release.

Master Your Braking

Common questions about braking in this car. Practice these techniques in our free app.

What's the best brake bias for the Super Formula SF23?

Most cars work well starting with 56-58% front bias. Adjust based on behavior: if you're locking fronts frequently, reduce front bias by 1-2%. If the rear feels unstable under braking, increase front bias. Engine placement matters too—front-engine cars typically need more front bias (58-62%), while mid/rear-engine cars run more balanced (54-58%). Always adjust in small increments and test.

Does the Super Formula SF23 have ABS or traction control?

Check your car's setup screen for available driver aids. Cars with ABS allow later, more aggressive braking but may increase stopping distances. If ABS is available, you can adjust its activation threshold in setup—higher thresholds give more control but require smoother inputs. Cars without ABS require progressive brake application to avoid lockups. Practice threshold braking in our app to develop the muscle memory for both scenarios.

Why do my brakes lock up in the Super Formula SF23?

Brake lockups typically happen from: (1) Too much front brake bias—reduce by 1-2%. (2) Too aggressive initial brake application—practice progressive pressure buildup. (3) Trail-braking too deep into the corner—release brake pressure earlier. (4) Cold tires or brakes—take an extra warm-up lap. (5) Downforce loss at lower speeds—brake earlier and lighter through slow corners. Use our Hold Pressure and Threshold Braking exercises to build the sensitivity needed to stay just below the lockup point.

How late can I brake in the Super Formula SF23 compared to similar cars?

Braking points depend on: (1) Downforce level—high-downforce cars brake 50-100ft later than low-downforce cars. (2) Weight—lighter cars brake later but have less grip margin. (3) Brake size and cooling—larger brakes handle repeated heavy braking better. (4) ABS availability—ABS cars can brake slightly later. Start conservative and move your braking point later by 5-10ft each lap until you find the limit. The key is consistency, not just maximum lateness.

How can I practice braking in the Super Formula SF23?

Braking Lab offers free web-based exercises that work with any wheel/pedal setup—no download needed. Try Hold Pressure to develop steady brake application, Trail Braking to master corner entry, and Threshold Braking to find the lockup limit safely. Each exercise gives instant feedback and tracks your progress. Practice 10 minutes before your race session to build muscle memory that translates directly to the track.

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