NEW RENAULT SAFETY MOVES GET THUMBS UP FROM DRIVERS
A double boost to competitor safety has been introduced in the Formula Renault UK Championship this season, ensuring Renault UK’s motorsport activity remains in-line with the manufacturer’s 5-star Euro NCAP safety status.
After working in partnership with American specialists Invader Technology, Renault UK Motorsport has introduced the use of a pioneering Audible Warning System which alerts every Formula Renault UK driver to an impending Safety Car period by use of a beeping tone through a special ear-piece and activation of each Formula Renault’s flashing rear warning light.
Designed to run hand-in-hand with the normal procedure of waved yellow flags and Safety Car boards at trackside during cautionary periods, the system gives drivers ample opportunity to prepare themselves for the deployment of a Safety Car.
“As the only manufacturer to have received 5-star Euro NCAP crash test status for five of its cars, Renault has set safety as a top priority whether in road vehicles or race cars and our new Formula Renault warning system is an extension of that policy”, commented Renault UK Motorsport Manager Tim Jackson.
The system was put into practice in a race environment for the first time with great success at Thruxton, Hampshire, during the opening rounds of the season last month and it will now be used at every round of the championship during the season.
Speaking on the Audible Warning System, Formula Renault UK podium finisher and category newcomer Stephen Simpson said: “The system should prove to be successful and a great boost to safety in the championship.
“The ear-piece we have to wear is comfortable and when driving I have the volume on minimum and you can still hear it so there should be no issues with anyone not hearing the tone. The flashing light is also easily identifiable and works well but the tone in your ear is enough warning as far as I can tell.”
Formula Renault UK drivers are also permitted to utilise the HANS system, as seen in Formula One, which is designed to minimise head and neck injuries in the advent of a serious accident although at this stage use of the HANS device in the formula is not mandatory.
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