F1 Drivers Set for HANS Revolt

BAR driver Jacques Villeneuve is leading a Formula One revolt against the new HANS safety device with the Grand Prix Drivers Association keen for talks with the FIA over its use at the Australian Grand Prix.

The Canadian believes the HANS - Head and Neck Support - system could cause more problems than it solves after a number of leading drivers voiced their unhappiness at the introduction of the HANS device.

"There are some situations where you could get hurt by the HANS device," Villeneuve said of HANS, which has been made compulsory in Formula One this season.

The system, a shoulder brace strapped to the helmet, is designed to reduce neck injuries, but Villeneuve argued it would not have saved anyone in the past nine years - and could have cost Pedro Diniz his life when his car ran upside down in the 1999 European Grand Prix.

"No driver would have been saved by the system in the last nine years because there was no accident that required it," Villeneuve said. "But Diniz would have been killed if he had been wearing the HANS device when he had his big accident. So the only one time it would have made a difference, it would have killed someone.

"On that basis it's wrong for us to drive with it. Nick Heidfeld tried it and said that within two laps he couldn't concentrate because it was too painful."

Villeneuve's teammate Jenson Button added: "It needs to be tested more and a lot of the drivers think the same. There are some question marks over the side and rear impact."

BAR team principal David Richards has called on the FIA to take a longer look at the HANS device rather than force it in for the season-opening Grand Prix in Melbourne.

"The FIA have made incredible steps in safety over the last few years but I think this system needs to be looked at again," Richards added.

The Grand Prix Drivers Association has asked for clarification about insurance, but FIA president Max Mosley insisted the issue was not up for discussion.

"The insurance issue is a complete red herring," he said. "It is something drivers have to sort out with their helmet manufacturers and their insurance companies. Our position is very simple. You don't have to wear a HANS device, but you won't leave the pitlane in Melbourne unless you're wearing one."