A locally designed and manufactured halo-inspired car is the reason why. The new one-seater is designed by Kyalamibased firm WCT Engineering, powered by Volkswagen, and dubbed the Investchem MSA4.
As the brainchild of Investchem chairman, Ian Schofield, single-seater racing has become a whole lot more exciting and affordable.
Schofield explains that globally the FIA Formula 4 was initially launched in 2014 as an opportunity to offer young racing drivers around the world the opportunity to take the first step from karting into the world of single-seater racing.
While Formula 4 is the first step out of karting on the FIA Global Pathway and is relatively cost-effective for young global drivers, in South Africa costs are still prohibitive as none of the mandated carbon fiber chassis is manufactured locally.
“To put this into perspective, a new car will cost almost €100,000, and that is without tyres and duty costs or even maintenance costs.”
Schofield says cost is an issue, not only for South Africans but for drivers in most developing countries, so there was a good reason to look for ways to make a locally produced car relevant and in line with FIA specifications. He says this was the motivation to rather try and create a local alternative.
“Design inspiration has been taken from the current F1600 car, but most of the focus with the MSA4 has been building to more modern safety standards. The halo-type cockpit protection device has been incorporated to match other entrylevel single-seaters such as Formula 4, but unlike the cars of that category it will have a spaceframe chassis rather than a carbon fibre monocoque,” he says.
Powering the vehicle will be a “downsized one-litre turbocharged threecylinder Volkswagen engine developing slightly more power and a good deal more torque than the outgoing normally aspirated unit.”
“Our thanks to Mike Rowe from Volkswagen South Africa, who subsidised a VW turbo engine for our prototype and will be providing a further 20 engines,” says Schofield.
The transmission, differential, suspension, brakes, and front and rear wings will be carried over from the Mygale.
The other parts of the bodywork will take on a more Formula 1-inspired design, including wider wheels and tyres.
“Work began in earnest 12 months ago and we finally managed to get a chassis that we crash-tested in Europe, designed with all the FIA safety standards in mind, and one that includes side impact protection.”
“We have been incredibly impressed with the safety and performance features and will be ready to start racing in the second week of March 2025 at Killarney. MSA4 Formula participants interested in the new vehicle will be given an opportunity to sign up on a two-year contract basis at a subsidised rate.”
Vic Maharaj, Motorsport South Africa CEO, says the cars will race in the new MSA4 Formula sanctioned by Motorsport South Africa.
“We are excited to be able to offer local racers a more modern and affordable option for this series and think it will add a muchneeded boost for young drivers looking to move up from karting. We wish Ian and the whole development team good luck with the new racing season in 2025.”