Even though truck racing is a relatively safe motorsport discipline, FIA has decided for the purpose of increased safety to introduce a new safety feature before the start of this season. The feature is known from F1 finishes and the drivers know it under the nickname Hans.
The device is placed on the driver ´s neck and its purpose is to prevent the heavy helmet from ripping off the driver ´s head or breaking his neck in the case of a hard collision, or in the better case from damaging the driver ´s spine. "After the car hits something the driver ´s head tends to move rapidly forward. "Hans", using something reminding of a clevis, protects the head against uncontrolled movement, as far as possible, at least," is the description of the new equipment by David Vršecký, who had a chance to test the device in Nogaro together with the other testing drivers there. "To tell the truth, my feelings were somewhat hesitant. Luckily I was not alone, and so I cannot be blamed for being pampered. I would say that in formulas and passenger car races this feature has a bigger role to play. These cars are lighter and the crash barriers are more likely to stop them than in the case of the nearly six-tonne struck, where this is really rather more complicated."
In the opinion of the third best driver of last truck season "Hans" also limits the side view. On the other hand, however, one cannot but agree that safety is more important than anything. "One will get used to it after a time. And if the feature prevents serious injury or even death of at least one single driver then it certainly is in place and has its undoubted purpose."