The FIA has released the findings of their investigation into Romain Grosjean’s crash at last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The former Haas driver was lucky to escape after his car split in half and burst into flames following a peak impact of 67G with the barrier at 192kph (119mph).
According to the report, all the main safety features: the survival cell, seat, headrest and Halo all worked as intended in protecting Grosjean.
However, due to the significant forces placed upon them, the FIA has called for greater load testing in the future.
Of course, the biggest concern was the fire that engulfed the survival cell. This is believed to have been caused by fuel leaking from two places, the left-hand fuel inspection tank and an engine fuel supply connection that was ripped off the safety bladder of the main fuel tank.
As a result, the FIA has called for a full review of the safety bladder regarding installation, the required Standard, all connections and inspection points and ensuring the fuel itself is compatible with the materials used.
It is understood four F1 teams, including Haas, have already made changes to their fuel tanks in the wake of what happened in Bahrain.
Concerns were raised over Grosjean’s foot which got stuck under the pedals and the headrest which made his escape significantly more difficult.
And reviews for mounting and assembly of those parts has been recommended.
Remarkably, the only injuries Romain sustained were burns to his hands as a result of the fire, and efforts to make the gloves more heat resistant are to be made.
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The response of medical personnel was also noted, with the medical car arriving on the scene 11 seconds after the crash.
However, improved equipment and training to deal with fire, high voltage and other dangerous situations will be sought.
Also, an ongoing project into an extinguisher system for open cockpit cars is to be broadened, with a focus on improving activation mechanisms.
Finally, analysis of the barrier layout will be conducted after Grosjean crashed into an opening in the Armco for marshals and recovery vehicles to enter the track.
Barrier design will also be addressed after the middle rail failed upon impact, with the Halo protecting Romain as the survival cell became wedged between it and the bottom rail.
Some incredible details and fascinating conclusions from one of the scariest crashes in recent F1 history, and hopefully Grosjean’s near-death experience will prevent others from suffering a worse fate in the future.
