FI Powerboat U.I.M Championship races to test HANS
(Head and Neck Safety Device System)

Abu Dhabi (U.A.E), 27 April 2003 - Ralf Froehling, President of the Union Internationale Motonautique (U.I.M.) invited Dr Robert P. HUBBARD of the Biomechanical Design Research Laboratory, Department of Mecanichal Engineering, Michigan State University, to participate in the U.I.M. safety working group meeting that took place on April 26, 2003 in Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Mr. Froehling said: "I have followed with interest, the research and development of Dr. Hubbard's Head and Neck Safety Device System (HANS) for about 10 years. The HANS system could be an invaluable device for racing powerboat drivers. I have have watched carefully the application of this system to different categories of motor racing, Cart, Formula Atlantic, Nascar and the FIA which officially introduced the HANS system in Formula 1 in 2003. We will need a custom-made HANS version for powerboat racing drivers.

"I have asked Dr. Hubbard to deliver three HANS systems to the U.I.M as early as the first race of the season in Portimao, Portugal (May 3-4 2003). Seven times world champion, Guido Cappellini from Italy and Finland's Sami Selio have agreed to test the system

"The system must be adjustable to suit the drivers in the boat's cockpit

capsule so that they feel completely comfortable with it. If the tests are positive, I will ask the U.I.M. to make these devices compulsory at the end of the year. In 2004, every team participating in the UIM World F1 championship will be obliged to race with a HANS system."

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter of the U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Championship added: "F1 powerboat safety officers are working closely with U.I.M to make the sport safe and is endorsing new safety measures for our sport. I wholeheartedly support the introduction of better active and passive safety measures. Research about safety is a never-ending subject and I have high hopes that the HANS system can be applied to our sport. Introducing it will contribute to the protection of neck and the head in the event of an accident. One of our key priorities is to enhance safety standards in F1 Powerboat racing through better regulations."

Information: http://www.hansdevice.com

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Steve Michael Reporting - Philippe Stiernon F1 Press Officer

Photos: http://www.f1boatphotos.com