F1 - Kubicas crash in Canadian Grand Prix

[clippedgull]

Any one here who remembers Kubica in that spectacular crash in the Canadian Grand Prix a couple of weeks back can relive it in this computer simulation and see highlighted (orange flashes) of safety equipment that saved his life.

Even if you didn't see it, it's worth watching

http://dl.groovygecko.net/anon.groovy/clients/igentics/kubicaaccidentv5_hb.asx

 

[Woodchip]

I was hoping for an internal view. Still worth watching though.

In a way it makes Imola '94 seem worthwhile. If Senna hadn't of died then I don't beleive many of the safety improvements would have been implemented. I feel that it took the death of a huge name to bring in these changes, that Ratzenburger's death alone would not have brought about.

 

[Gully]

The irony of that terrible weekend was, I understand, Senna pretty much chaired a meeting of the drivers to protest for change in the aftermath of the Ratzenburger accident. The fact that Kubica survived his accident, with only minor injuries, is testament to the safety measures now in place. Although it does sound harsh to say that it took the death of one of the biggest names the sport has ever known to speed up moves to make the sport safer, it is probably not far from the truth.

 

[Bry Nylon]

From what I understand, Ayrton Senna died as a result of a piece of front suspension piercing his crash helmet at the vunerable point where the visor meets the helmet. From there it entered his head just above his eye and pierced his brain. It was just an incredible piece of bad luck. I don't know if the changes brought in since could prevent something like that happening again?

But yes, amazing that Kubica survived that crash, and even more amazing that he can still race.

 

[Woodchip]

From what I understand, Ayrton Senna died as a result of a piece of front suspension piercing his crash helmet at the vunerable point where the visor meets the helmet. From there it entered his head just above his eye and pierced his brain. It was just an incredible piece of bad luck. I don't know if the changes brought in since could prevent something like that happening again?

But yes, amazing that Kubica survived that crash, and even more amazing that he can still race.

The instant changes to come about from Senna's death were the higher sides around the drivers head, the higher crash velocity tests, and the removal of some of the most dangerous corners in the racing circuit. Later on things like HANS have been brought in, which would have saved Wendlinger's (sp?) career after his accident at Monaco (nearly typed in Monica but that was Bill Clinton's impact problems), which I'm sure wouldn't have come about without some horrific accidents in Indy car(where it has been compulsory for years).

It appears that F1 (the "height of technology") is very reactionary when it comes to safety, but thankfully appear to have got it right this time.

 

[Gully]

People cite formula 1 as the test bed for improvements that are later made to normal road cars, albeit an extremely expensive one, maybe some of the safety measures that saved Kubica will see their ways into the cars we drive in the near future (talking of improved car construction here, not neck braces).

 

[Crawley Cobbler]

The instant changes to come about from Senna's death were the higher sides around the drivers head, the higher crash velocity tests, and the removal of some of the most dangerous corners in the racing circuit. Later on things like HANS have been brought in, which would have saved Wendlinger's (sp?) career after his accident at Monaco (nearly typed in Monica but that was Bill Clinton's impact problems), which I'm sure wouldn't have come about without some horrific accidents in Indy car(where it has been compulsory for years).

It appears that F1 (the "height of technology") is very reactionary when it comes to safety, but thankfully appear to have got it right this time.

The other change post-Senna was the wheel tethers being massively strengthened - the wheels can occasionally still come off, as Kubica's did, but there are extra ropey-things trying to keep them with the car.

 

[Easy 10]

Those orange flashing lights around the cockpit must have been handy at the time, informing Kubica that he was currently experiencing a car crash. Those germans think of everything don't they.