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F1's governing body is believed to have shortlisted a cockpit protection system nicknamed 'the halo' for introduction in 2017, according to the British newspaper The Sun. Devised by Mercedes, the solution is designed to keep cockpits essentially open but stop flying objects and obstacles from striking the driver.
The news follows GPDA president Alex Wurz declaring that F1 drivers had unanimously voted for a "swift implementation" of a solution. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, however, said that fans enjoying watching dangerous sports.
Speaking at the Kitzbuhel world cup downhill skiing event, he told the Tiroler Tageszeitung newspaper: "People love seeing a bit of danger. If there was a circus where the acrobat balances a few inches above the ground, no one would go."
"But the way we have improved safety in formula one is hardly comparable (with skiing)," Ecclestone added. "If you could choose something to have an accident in, you would probably pick a formula one car. The drivers in formula one have big accidents, undo their seatbelts and climb out. And that's a good thing," he said. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
The cars will look ridiculous. But I guess function is better than form, and if it increases safety I wont complain.
Pompey
Posts: 84
If drivers want a "safe" F1 car why not just sit in front of a playstation screen, or would that be "too dangerous"? Remember what made F1 what it is, skill, bravery with speed.
khasmir
Posts: 893
Not sure this is the way to go, you can never make motorsport 100% safe. It's an unforgiving sport and the risks are part of the game. Everything should be done to improve safety but not at the expense of the sport itself.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Maybe the drivers who want this should consider changing to nascar.