Formula One drivers ask for closed cockpits!
Formula One drivers are asking for closed cockpits for the 2017 season. A new device known as a “halo” is believed to prevent injury from flying debris.
The chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, Alexander Wurz, said on Monday that the members of his association demanded “swift implementation” of this “halo” safety design.
The design was originally suggested by Mercedes and entails a bar attached to either side of the cockpit, which would bend around across the head. This would provide protection for all Formula One drivers, especially from potentially lethal, flying shrapnel.
There have been various other tests that have been conducted, looking for ways to improve head protection for Formula One drivers. Completely closed canopies have also been looked into. The problem with these are that, in the event of a crash, Formula One drivers may be stuck inside the vehicle.
The “halo” seems to be a better alternative, as it is designed to be quickly removed. It also does not block line of sight for the Formula One drivers.
Wurz, who is a retired Formula One driver, now works on safety features such as this with the sport’s governing body.
He explains,
“The research the FIA experts have done is very thorough and the process has brought forward a clear solution.
Now the drivers feel it’s time to implement the extra protection at the latest in 2017.”
Wurz said that backing from the drivers should make the introduction of the halo “a formality”
“Obviously structural changes are required to the chassis but, with almost a one-year lead time, I don’t see any technical person speaking against such substantial safety improvements, especially given the last big accidents in open-wheel racing involved head injuries,” he said.
FIA safety director, Laurent Mekies, reported last October that a head protection device could be implemented in 2017 if all the production testing proved satisfactory results.
Source: IOL