[PT]

Doesn’t the roll hoop coming off in Gustavo Menezes’ European F3 crash at Spa reveal glaring sturctural inadequacies in the F3 Dallaras? Menezes tells that after the airborne crash the car was resting on his head. What use is a roll hoop if it breaks in an airborne crash?

[PT]

Here’s the link:

[Atticus]

It did come off – very disturbing.

Although it has to be said the hoop actually got three impacts in this crash, one light and two heavy. First sideways with the right rail towards Les Combes, then on the two occasions it hit the ground. So I’m not that surprised that it failed – the crash test probably measures a single impact and teams will always want to juust slip past the test; they won’t want any more rigidity there than what is necessary (it would add weight, all this provided they have some liberties in modifying the chassis – if they don’t… well, then it’s a worrying thing altogether).

I guess the most positive thing about this is that the helmet was that strong – that it was able to keep Menezes healthy while it skidded along the tarmac for about 10-20 meters.

On a final note, Les Combes and its entry is quickly becoming a controversial place following this accident and the Hamilton-Rosberg run-in last season…

[PT]

@Attiucus

Yes, strong helmet indeed. But don’t you think this gives further impetus for developing closed cockpits?

[Author]

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