February 1, 2002. Copyright, 2002, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Crashing through the F1 safety barriers
By Elisabeth Ribbans

LONDON, February 1, Graphic News:  ALL Formula 1 cars must undergo a series of stringent crash tests before the start of the Grand Prix season. Over time, the programme has been steadily upgraded in a bid to provide drivers with maximum protection in any of the roughly 60 accidents that occur each year. The measures appear to have paid off. Between 1963 and 1983, 15 drivers lost their lives in Formula 1. In the almost two decades since then, there have been just two deaths -- those of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenburger, both killed at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.

The most spectacular of the crash tests, introduced in 1985, involves simulating a head-on collision by slamming the car into a concrete-mounted steel plate at a speed -- increased since 1999 -- of 14 metres (45 feet) per second, or around 50km/h (30mph). The nose box must not crumple beyond the point where it meets the chassis. Although vehicles will be travelling up to 200km/h (125mph) on race day, it is assumed the gravel run-off areas and tyre-covered guard rails will absorb much of the speed before a crash.

To ensure the impact tests -- also conducted on the sides and rear of the car, and on the collapsible steering column -- are as realistic as possible, a 75kg (165lb) dummy, fitted with sensors, is strapped into the cockpit. Fire extinguishers are also installed and the fuel tank is filled with water -- ensuring a total minimum test weight for the vehicle of 780kg (1,720lb).

Further ÒstaticÓ tests, in which loads are individually applied at various points around the car, check seatbelt fixings, fuel tank rigidity, roll hoops, floors, foot wells and the strength of the cockpit rim. Since 2000, the year after Michael Schumacher broke his right leg at Silverstone, the load test in the driverÕs leg area has been increased by 20 percent.

The final test for the driver is that, fully clothed and belted, he must be able to release himself from the cockpit and place one foot on the floor within five seconds.

A confidentiality agreement between team and test centre ensures the technologically sensitive film of the tests is not seen by rival teams. Once all the required tests have been passed, the FIA inspector will fit the chassis with a special plate, sealed with tamper-proof paint. While the side pods and nose section are destroyed in the tests, the £80,000 ($113,000, 131,000 euros) chassis goes on -- after necessary repairs -- to be used in the actual races.
/ENDS

Sources: Cranfield Impact Centre, FIA