Whiting and closed cockpits

When WEC decided for closed cockpits in endurance, nobody objected.

 

Who mentioned canopy?

Not me!!

I am thinking about a chassis structure, including roolbars ahead of the driver's head.

Think about a LMP single-seater.

 

So are helmets and balaclavas.
I want to see the fear in their eyes and bugs on their teeth.

 

You could do well to check that link posted by Chicko on another thread.

Bandwagons and Drama Queens - Carlin

 

The drive for improved safety from the eighties/nineties was championed by the drivers, who didn't want to die in their cars. Today's drivers are no different, no matter how much they are paid. If some sort of closed cockpit arrangement will further reduce the risks to them I'm pretty sure the drivers will support it.

 

Of course!

But there are still people out there who think that drivers are just modern-day gladiators, destined to finish in sawdust anyway ...

 

The viewing public want to see the very best take those risks and race. Not the next tier down in inferior cars, hence the viewing figures and hence their salaries as a result.

The very best racing at the very edge. The associated risks are very much factored into their contracts and those that think that isn't the case and that risk is not an important part of the spectacle are deluded and naive.

 

If the money dries up due to lack of spectacle after too many knee jerk safety measures, those same drivers will DEMAND that risk is regulated back into F1.

 

The 'spectacle' would not be very much different if a closed cockpit was introduced, and I doubt that many fans will stop watching if (when?) it happens.

 

If the drivers have to accept worse salaries because they're taking less risks, I'm OK with that.

Maybe with less money in the bank they stop behaving like primadonnas.

 

I agree with that too.

 

If it can save lifes, i'm all for it.....

 

So you'd have no issues with driverless cars on track being "driven" by remote control by the drivers from the pit-lane then? -Because that's the only way you're ever going to totally eliminate the risk to drivers from motor racing!

 

Bullfigting,car racing and mountain climbing are sports,the rest are games (Hemingway). What do they all have in common? the possibility of dying.

 

Absolutely no way. There are thousands of drivers that would race in F1 for the cost of their expenses just for the opportunity.

Also - very few of the drivers are actually calling for this change.

 

...or they could all race in sims and the cars are just remote controlled robots out there to represent what the drivers are doing. Like that terrible movie about first person shooters ; )

 

Also - I'd point out that Indy is going to add tethers to the nose cones. Addressing the source of the debris. Of course, tethers fail, but there is no proven solution yet as others point out.

 

Do i prefer open cockpits? Yes, i do, do I mind to watch f.1 with closed cockpits if that can save a pilots life in the future? No, i don't.

 

That sound effect though, lol

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opZzDv_C9eQ[/ame]

 

You're exactly right, but in today's ninny-culture your statements will fall on deaf ears.

That said, this wouldn't ruin the sport for me as you can barely see the drivers these days anyway with the high side protection. This could actually look cool with a canopy but you know that F1 will find a way to choose the ugliest, most ridiculous solution possible.

 

I did not introduce my son to race car driving because of my fear of his death or serious injury. To me real race cars don't have doors and they are inherently the most dangerous.

 

Unsubscribed ...
Pete

 

If the FIA accept Mercedes' proposal as it seems they willl, how long until they just add some plexiglass to fill the two front slots? It might actually end up looking less weird.

 

So to increase safety they will place a large strut right in the middle of the drivers view?

Awesome.

 

They're planning on redesigning the entire car in the next couple years or so. They should be able to integrate a canopy of some sort if they choose. Looking again at that render of the McLaren design... you wouldn't even notice it's there.

It's not like Indy car where they modified the cars with those stupid sidepods and what not. Those cannot be legitimately call open-wheel cars. F1 has done plenty the last few years to kill itself... a canopy is the least of the issues.