FEBRUARY 26, 1996

Cockpit complaints

SEVERAL Grand Prix drivers were complaining last week in Estoril that they are having trouble with their peripheral vision as a result of the new cockpit regulations introduced by the FIA on the grounds of safety.

SEVERAL Grand Prix drivers were complaining last week in Estoril that they are having trouble with their peripheral vision as a result of the new cockpit regulations introduced by the FIA on the grounds of safety.

The cockpit surrounds are now much higher than previously in order to protect the driver's head from injury, but some drivers are griping that the changes could be more dangerous as they will not be able to see cars which are trying to overtake them.

Sources at the FIA are exasperated but say that it is not their problem. Drivers are not allowed to compete in cars which they consider to be dangerous and consequently if they want changes to be made it is up to the teams to improve the designs or increase the size of the rear-view mirrors to take the changes into account.