[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[ThomasS]

There was a months long investigation done by our driver's association in co-operation with number of specialized doctors. As a result the association asked our ASN to change status of HANS from mandatory to voluntary as they found direct connection between the use of HANS and the new phenomena of broken lumbar vertebrae after HANS introduction (You are wrong in Your assumption that this kind of injuries was frequent before - it was very rare). The request was also directed to FIA. There was no result at all so as a next step there was a petition of drivers and co-driver's against the obligation of HANS use. It was signed by some 200 drivers and co-drivers but the result from ASN was again zero. Only repeating of same phrases like You do. Nobody denies very positive effect of HANS in case of frontal impact but on the contrary to circuits most of rally crashes are not frontal ones. Anyway if somebody wants to use it on voluntary basis, no problem. Fact is that to make HANS mandatory in all events run under FIA rules created demand for thousands of devices and that was a huge business. When that market was filled they put HANS into cross-country events where it has even less meaning, especially for truckers where it also limits side-visibility which is very dangerous when driving close to "small" competitors such as buggies or even bikes. I have never heard any positive word from cross country crews about HANS but a lot of complains.

Anyway You are reported for constant infractions. You don't need to reply because I will not read it.

I thought I was on your ignore list anyhow so why reply now ?


Does this new phenomena have a name ?


Your inferring a conspiracy within the FIA because of invested business interests or conflict of interest , that's a bold comment and a whole different argument.
I can only assume that FIA gave the study due diligence and decided there was not the evidence . Was it peer reviewed ?


I'm not wrong about the incidences of Lumbar vz Cervical complaints and injuries. They have always been more prevalent.


And yes I know that the HANS is designed for front impact but did your ASN study the relationship between side impact , seat design and any unintended consequence of the wearing a HANS ? Or what the outcome differences be between not wearing HANS and wearing it might be ? Testing data ? Sled tests ?


I'm not baiting here but the investigation sounds more like a drivers referendum with a preconceived outcome than a sound scientific study.


I would love to read this investigation if someone can refer it to me.

[sollitt]

Mirek, I absolutely agree with your position on HANS. I have fought for many years for my own ASN to refrain from making HANS compulsory in any level of the sport in my country.
HANS is a frontal impact device designed for use in circuit racing. The dynamics and the risks in rallying are totally different and I do not believe the HANS is an appropriate bit of kit at all.
As you suggest, there has been quite some evidence that it may be doing more harm than good.
Happy for it be a voluntary use item with users well informed.

[Kalm]

From Ott Tänak`s FB : "Back in a proper car, I've been missing it a lot!"https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...90095495_n.jpg

[dimviii]

Becs Williams ‏@Becsywecsy42λ
Huge congratulations to @E_Brynildsen who welcomed a baby girl into the world today! You can't be 'babyface' now! Lots of love to the family

[Barreis]

Hybrid man...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

[euskalteam]

Auriol and Delecour with 2 Fiesta WRC in Rally France? Anyone heard something?

[dimviii]

World Rally Championship - News - Nagle to co-drive for Mikkelsen in Australia

[Kielder]

Auriol and Delecour with 2 Fiesta WRC in Rally France? Anyone heard something?

Auriol is expected to drive in Catalunya. The co-driver will be the one we love, you know. A pic of their last participation together in the WRC.



The one who will run in Alsace is Romain Dumas, driving a Fiesta too.

[Kielder]

As I wrote on Twitter, it is published today in Autohebdo. All the credits to them, I'm just a forest .

[dimviii]

Kubica refused to drive for Hyundai

La victoria en Alemania facilita el futuro a Dani Sordo | Más Motor | AS.com