Remember the Rodin FZed track car? Its creators promise F1-levels of performance to the regular man. Well, the TDF-1 is even closer to the real deal.

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F1 reborn

Tour de Force Engineering, a UK-based company, bought old Sauber parts and the remainder of the Marussia Formula One outfit. If you don’t recall, Marussia was a perennial backmarker that enjoyed no success in F1. Tour de Force specialises in restoring and maintaining old F1 cars for clients. But now they have created their own “F1” car, called the TDF-1 for, presumably, wealthy clients.

The TDF-1 is based on a 2011 Marussia or 2012 Sauber chassis, suspension and mechanicals. Power is derived from a 1,7-litre turbocharged inline-four. Peak power is 441 kW, which is achieved by revving the engine to 9 000 r/min. The car has a power-to-mass ratio of 746 kW/ton (1 000 bhp/ton). The engine is a stressed member of the car, exactly like a genuine F1 car. Coupled to the engine is a six-speed sequential transmission with a reverse gear and electronically operated clutch. Tour de Force says the TDF-1 can sprint to 100 km/h in under two seconds and has a top speed of over 322 km/h.

Typical F1 cars need a great deal of preparation and several engineers before you can even consider starting the engine. The TDF-1 requires no pre-heating of fluids or specific start routine. It has an electric starter and can be run like any normal car at a track day, though we suspect anyone who can afford one will employ several people to help. The engine does require maintenance once a year or once every 3 000 km.

Genuine F1 tech

The rest of the TDF-1 is near identical to the F1 it is based on. Double-wishbone suspension is used at all four corners, Ohlins dampers and Brembo calipers that clamp carbon discs are also kept. An F1-style drag reduction system (DRS) is even in place for passing any pesky hypercars that may be bothering you on the straights. Tour De Force says that the TDF-1 can generate up to 4G of lateral force and 4,5G under braking.

Order a TDF-1 and you will get comprehensive driver training plus access to the company’s driving simulator. The car’s handling will be tuned to the buyer’s preferences and a custom seat and pedals installed.