0
FIA race director Charlie Whiting has ruled out the possibility of a hybrid head protection device, combining the FIA-approved head protection and the Red Bull-developed Aeroscreen.
The Aeroscreen was dismissed by the FIA after it failed safety tests, but has been seen by onlookers as a better alternative to the FIA's solution, formerly known as 'Halo', as its structure does not pose any obstruction.
Mercedes Threatens Legal Action as Engine War Erupts Before Season Start
Report: Ferrari Finally Tailoring Development to Lewis Hamilton
Despite the benefits of both devices, Whiting has dismissed the idea that the two could be combined to combined to create a hybrid solution.
"I don't think there's any possibility at this stage of any hybrid," he told Crash.net. "We know that the Halo is being tested with a wheel being thrown at it – a wheel and upright assembly, which is 20kgs – at 225 kph, which is a pretty awesome thing to watch. The Halo is there principally to look into the way drivers have been hit by wheels but also where we've seen cars in contact with walls, for example."
"It can withstand a load 15 times the weight of the car, so that's twice as strong as the current roll structure," he added. "But of course when you look at the small objects coming towards it, we've done a paper study to theoretically throw over a million angles and different scenarios, and we conclude that 17 per cent of the time, it will deflect something from the driver."
"The Aeroscreen obviously offers the screen, which is in addition to the Halo that provides more or less complete protection from the front. But the downsides are that it gets dirty and needs to be cleaned or it rains."
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
Replies (0)
Login to reply