Formula One's Fiery Race Suit Tests

摘要

Formula 1 motor racing, possibly the most glamorous sport in the world, has blasted into its new season - but some of the most fearless sportsmen on the planet will have a team of scientists on the outskirts of Manchester, England, to thank for their safety. BTTG Fire Technology Services (FTS), based in the UK near Manchester, tests the component materials for the race suits that some of the world's leading racing drivers rely upon. "Thankfully, life-threatening fires are extremely rare, but we do of course see the occasional pit-lane fuel spillage that can cause something of a blaze - so while the sport is massively more safe then even just a few years ago, the drivers can rest assured that if there is a fire, then the tests we carry out mean their suits will give them and their rescuers valuable extra seconds," said Neil Sorensen, executive director of BTTG FTS. "Manufacturers of race suits send them to us for testing, and we are approved by the governing body of motorsport - the FIA - to carry out the tests to ensure race suits meet FIA regulation 8856. "This involves three key tests: measurement of heat transfer, flammability and seam strength."