Development of UFI Oil Filters in Formula 1

The UFI Group presented the evolution of its motorsport filtration systems during the Historic Italian Grand Prix at the Mugello circuit. The event highlighted the technological transition of oil filters from the historic Ferrari 312 T3 to the current high-efficiency applications used in Formula 1.

Material Evolution and Mass Reduction
In 1978, the first UFI oil filter installed on the Ferrari 312 T3, designed to withstand the high pressures of the 12-cylinder engine, weighed 1.8 kilograms. Currently, research conducted by the company's Advanced Applications Division has made it possible to reduce the mass of filtering components to just 60 grams through the use of innovative materials. This structural optimization supports the thermodynamic and mechanical performance of racing engines. In 2026, the company supplies 3 to 15 custom-made filters for each car of all 11 teams present in the Formula 1 World Championship.

Research Platform and Technology Transfer
The use of filtration systems in high-performance motorsport categories, including Indycar, World Endurance Championship, MotoGP, and heavy vehicle competitions, serves as a field testing laboratory. The engineering development process has a bidirectional value: UFI tests solutions under conditions of extreme mechanical stress and then adapts them to the automotive industry and mass-produced vehicles. Concurrently, filtration technologies developed for the aftermarket and major manufacturers are integrated into systems destined for motorsport.




Historical Heritage Preservation and Development
To document the beginning of the engineering collaboration with Formula 1 racing teams, the UFI Group acquired a Ferrari 312 T3 single-seater, originally used in the 1978 season and track-tested during the event by René Arnoux. The president of the UFI Group, Giorgio Girondi, indicates that the car 'tells the story of the beginning of our journey in Formula 1', emphasizing that the preservation of this mechanical infrastructure serves to maintain 'the same drive to innovate that, then as now, arises from the most extreme challenges'.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor - adapted by AI.

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