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Sean Edwards Test launched to improve safety among amateur drivers

A new safety initiative in the name of the late Sean Edwards has been launched by the Stephane Ratel Organisation to improve safety among amateur drivers competing in the series

The Sean Edwards Test is under development by SRO for next season with a view to making sure that drivers have the necessary understanding of racing procedures.

Knowledge of flag signals, grid and safety car procedures, and what to do in the event of an accident will be among the subjects that will be checked by what is being described as a "virtual test" to be taken on a computer.

Those failing the test would then have to attend a special briefing by race officials before being allowed to take part in the event.

Stephane Ratel explained that the idea resulted from an approach by the Sean Edwards Foundation through the late driver's mother, Daphne.

He said it was also a reaction to the growing number of nationalities competing in the Blancpain GT Series and the differing licensing requirements in those countries.

"This year at the Spa 24 Hours, we had 31 nationalities competing: briefings are given in English but we do not even know if all the drivers can speak or understand the language," he explained.

"Drivers are now coming to us from many different horizons and the way that you acquire an international racing licence is not the same everywhere."

The 24 Hours at Spa this year was blighted by a series of safety cars, some triggered by bronze drivers, and a serious accident that put British driver Marcus Mahy in intensive care in a local hospital.

Ratel stressed that in his capacity as a series organiser he was not in a position to stop drivers from competing, but he said that he wanted to help the inexperienced competitor "for their own good".

The test would likely be limited to bronze-rated and rookie drivers and would be used ahead of the opening rounds of the Blancpain Endurance and Blancpain Sprint Series and the Spa 24 Hours in July.

The test could grow into something more complex, explained Ratel, who said he hoped it might be adopted by other series.

The Sean Edwards Foundation was established to improve safety motorsport after the British driver's death last year in Australia while a passengering a driver under his instruction.

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