Formula Junior

{{Short description|Former Single-Seater Racing Championship}}

{{Cleanup|date=July 2011}}

{{Infobox motorsport championship

| name = Formula Junior

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| category = Single-seater

| country = Worldwide

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| inaugural = 1958

| folded = 1963

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| constructors = Brabham{{*}}Cooper{{*}}Lotus{{*}}Stanguellini

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File:saabformulajunior2.jpg]]

File:Melkus-Wartburg, Bj 59 - 1978.jpg Formula Junior from DDR]]

File:Formel Junior mit DKW-Motor.jpg Formula Junior with DKW-Engine]]

File:Dolphin Mk 2.jpg-designed Dolphin Formula Junior with {{convert|997|cc|cid|abbr=on}} Anglia engine.Motor Racing magazine Jan 1961Autosport Magazine 14 April 1961.[http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13671/Dolphin-Formula-Junior-MKI.aspx 1960 Dolphin Formula Junior MKI Images, Information and History]. Conceptcarz.com.Autocar magazine April 1961.Car & Driver magazine Aug. 1961.Santa Barbara Road Races programme Sep. 2/3, 1961.Peter Roberts. Racing Cars of the World. Reference book. Published 1962 Longacre Press Ltd.Vintage Motorsport. Sep/Oct 1993.Vintage American Road Racing Cars 1950–1970. Authors-Pace/Brinker. Book published 2004. {{ISBN|0-7603-1783-6}}.Classic & Sports Car magazine. Feb 2005.]]

Formula Junior was an international single-seater motor racing category that existed between 1958 and 1963. Devised by Italian motorsport promoter Count Giovanni "Johnny" Lurani, the formula was created as an accessible training ground for young drivers advancing from karting or amateur competition to professional-level open-wheel racing. Regulations required the use of production-based engines and components sourced from small road cars, which helped contain costs and encouraged participation by privateers and smaller manufacturers.{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://formulajunior.com/ |website=Formula Junior Historic Racing Association |access-date=2025-04-22}}

The category quickly gained traction in Europe and the United States, evolving from a national class in Italy to an internationally recognized formula. While early success came from front-engined Italian cars such as those produced by Stanguellini, British constructors including Lotus, Cooper, and Brabham soon rose to prominence through the adoption of lighter, rear-engined designs.{{Cite web |title=The Trend of Formula Junior |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/april-1963/30/the-trend-of-formula-junior/ |website=Motorsport Magazine |date=April 1963 |access-date=2025-04-22}}{{Cite web |title=Formula Junior, Italian Style |url=https://velocetoday.com/formula-junior-italian-style/ |website=VeloceToday |access-date=2025-04-22}}