Group A Regulations

Lore & Background

The FIA's Appendix J Article 251 first described Group D in 1982, placing it in Category II for Competition Cars—vehicles built as single units for racing only. This group was defined alongside Groups N, A, B, C and E, each serving a distinct purpose in motorsport classification. Although Appendix J defines Formula 2 and Formula 3 as 'international formulae', neither has ever been explicitly defined as being in or consisting of Group D in their respective technical or specific regulations. Furthermore, Group D is not mentioned anywhere else in the International Sporting Code or its appendices other than the initial classification and definition in Article 251. The group's definitions were updated in new publications of Appendix J Article 251, usually annually, until 2019.

In Their Own Story

In 1982, the FIA introduced Group D as part of a sweeping reorganization of motorsport categories. The group was reserved for single-build competition cars—machines constructed for racing alone, not derived from production models. While Formula 2 and Formula 3 were recognized as 'international formulae', they were never explicitly tied to Group D in their regulations. The group existed quietly in Article 251, updated year after year, until its final appearance in 2019. Unlike Groups A, B, or C, which saw extensive use in touring car and endurance racing, Group D remained a classification for formula cars that never quite found a home in the public eye.

Reader's Guide

Group D is defined strictly within the FIA's Appendix J Article 251, first published in 1982. It sits in Category II for Competition Cars, meaning vehicles built as single units for racing only—not mass-produced road cars. The group was introduced simultaneously with Groups N, A, B, C and E, each covering different types of motorsport vehicles. While Formula 2 and Formula 3 are listed as 'international formulae' in Appendix J, their regulations never explicitly state they belong to Group D. The group's definitions were updated annually in new publications of Appendix J Article 251 until 2019. After that, the group ceased to be defined. For historical reference, period Appendix J documents are available at the FIA Historic Database.

Did You Know?

• Group D was first described in Article 251 of the FIA's Appendix J in 1982.
• Group D was placed in Category II for Competition Cars, which were single builds for racing purposes only.
• Groups N, A, B, C, D and E were all introduced simultaneously in 1982.
• Although Formula 2 and Formula 3 are defined as 'international formulae', neither has ever been explicitly defined as being in or consisting of Group D.
• Group D continued to be defined in new publications of Appendix J Article 251, usually annually, until 2019.