P1racenews AI automatic summary:
An investigation by the FIA following two painful crashes in Formula E has been documented.
The FIA has released a film detailing the investigation and prevention of Formula E drivers breaking wrists and hands, which had become common occurrences.
Following serious hand injuries sustained by Robin Frijns and Sam Bird in recent seasons, the motorsport governing body conducted an investigation leading to the introduction of a steering damper.
The steering damper’s implementation has successfully prevented additional cases of hand and wrist fractures resulting from front-end shunts, where the steering wheel was found to rotate up to 10 times faster.
Significant changes were made to the shape of the steering wheel and cockpit foam, but the new steering damper marks a substantial advancement in driver safety.
The damper not only absorbs impact energy but also reduces peak rotational speed by as much as 40%, after a rigorous period of engineering and simulations involving key figures like FIA safety director Nuno Costa and FE medical delegate Bruno Franceschini.
Robin Frijns, reflecting on his injury and the new safety measures, praised the FIA’s efforts in enhancing driver safety and emphasized the effectiveness of the steering damper in mitigating potential injuries in case of crashes.
