Heidfeld: 'I can't race with HANS device'

The German, who finished 10th in the world championship last year, says that the head and neck device - which sits on the collarbone and is attached to the driver's helmet - has caused him headaches and such discomfort that he believes it could cause him to crash if he is forced to use it in a race. The sport's governing body, the FIA, has required that all drivers in F1 use the system this year, as it feels it is a big step forward in driver safety.

"In theory it is a good thing but in practice it doesn't work for me," Heidfeld told autosport.com, having first tried the system in free practice at the Italian Grand Prix last year. "In Monza I had a headache after the Friday, so I didn't use it anymore. I don't know how it will be possible to use it at Melbourne. At the moment, there is no way. For me, personally, I feel it is more dangerous because I couldn't concentrate for a whole race, it would start to hurt and I could lose concentration and crash."

Heidfeld also tried the system in testing at Barcelona recently, but was unable to use it for more than a lap before head and collarbone pain. He says he will now talk to the Grand Prix Drivers' Association regarding the subject.

He added: "The rules say it has to be used. I would like to see that rule changed, but at this moment I can't see it. I hear some other drivers have had problems with it and I'd like to speak with them about it."