Open cockpit debate in the spotlight again after Spa crash
4 September, 2012
First corner crash at Spa
Sep.4 (GMM) Sunday’s terrifying first corner crash at Spa Francorchamps has reopened the debate about whether the Formula One’s days of open cockpits are numbered, and the alternative options which the sport may embrace.
Paddy Lowe, McLaren’s technical director, thinks that Fernando Alonso’s lucky escape after Romain Grosjean’s flying Lotus only narrowly missed the Spaniard’s hands and head on Sunday means that action is now “inevitable”.
He is quoted by the Herald Sun as acknowledging that the drivers’ exposed head is the last “big” safety issue for Formula One.
Lowe is part of the working group that is looking into whether closed cockpits, shields, forward roll-hoops or canopies are the right solution to the problem.
“I think 2014 is intended [as the year for the introduction of the solution], as we started the project a year ago,” he said.
However, it has been suggested that the FIA might have to admit that the benefits of better head protection might be outweighed by its disadvantages, such as reduced driver visibility.
“Ideally a driver wants nothing in the way,” said Lowe, “but in the same way as you drive a road car or even the old VW camper van with the centre pillar, you just get used to it, don’t you?
“We found that as long as the pillars don’t get too big it is something you can get used to.”
Subbed by AJN.
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- Grosjean gets one race ban for causing crash and will miss Monza
- Boullier: The championship is wide open and anything can still happen
- Most drivers remain tight lipped over Bahrain debate
- Drivers differ as team orders debate boils
That’s why I love(d) Formula for the past 45 years…open cockpit/wheels…why change & take the bit of risk from the sport that makes it popular? For sure a NO!! from me..
Forget it! Formula 1 cars must forever stay open. That accident on Sunday was pretty bad, but let’s not overexaggerate, ok. This is motorsport for crying out loud, risk will always be part of it. Stop with this safety craze! Formula 1 is safe enough already. A big NO to closed cockpits!!!
Forget it! Formula 1 cars must forever stay open. That accident on Sunday was pretty bad, but let’s not overexaggerate, ok. Stop with this safety craze! This is motorsport for crying out loud, risk is will always be part of it. Formula 1 is safe enough already. A big NO to closed cockpits!!!
@Bec
Very Sound Argument.
Go, HAMILTON !
The closed cockpit idea will be less drag and more areodynamic making the car even faster. IMO it is a good trade off, but I do see your point Bec.
If you make the racing safer, drivers take more and more risks, which increases the danger, and the racing has to be made safer again … Until there is no racing.