FIA Testing Forward Facing Roll Hoop

In the wake of the accidents suffered by Felipe Massa and Henry Surtees in 2009, the FIA has began testing various versions of forward facing roll hoops to further protect drivers.  Obviously, driver visibility will be paramount and that’s why they started with versions of windshields and even a jet fighter-type canopy.

Unfortunately, the windshield and canopy suffered failures during testing, so the Lotus team constructed a relatively standard roll hoop structure (made out of titanium).  Below is a video supplied by the FIA demonstrating one of the tests – A fully outfitted F1 wheel/tire being fired directly at the hoop at 225 km/h (roughly 140 mph).

FIA Testing Forward Facing Roll Hoop