F1 tests solutions against water splashes during races
The FIA has tested a water splash guard kit to improve drivers' visibility in wet track conditions.
Rain is what can make a Grand Prix much more interesting for a spectator. For the drivers, driving in the rain is like driving blindly, especially since the new regulations with the return of ground effect and the lifting of many things with each passage of the F1 cars.
Single-seaters eject a significant amount of water when the track is wet and the cars are running. This spray hampers the drivers’ visibility, making [certain circuits even more dangerous](/f1/actualite/30952-damon-hill-sattend-examen-du-circuit-spa-apres-mort-dilano-vant-hoff.html) and has caused some concern for spectators, as the race had to be simply canceled.
To combat this phenomenon, the FIA, along with Pirelli, tested a rain protection kit at Silverstone over the weekend, in conjunction with tire testing. The principle of this addition works similarly to a traditional car mudguard. It would serve to prevent water splashes from rising too high and control where the water is projected.
For pilots, this system is good news. « If they work, I would really like to see them implemented, certainly in Formula 1, even if it’s going to be quite penalizing, perhaps more for certain teams than others in terms of downforce, but I think it’s something where safety should be prioritized », said Sergio Perez in a press conference.
For Lance Stroll, racing in the rain should not take place. We can’t see anything in very wet weather. […] I don’t think we should race like that, so it’s really something that, if it works, needs to be installed on the cars as soon as possible. And if it doesn’t work, we shouldn’t put ourselves in situations where we race in conditions where we can’t see.
The possibility of adding a rain guard is welcome for all drivers who prioritize safety in motorsport over performance gain.
This solution complements the flashing lights installed at the back of the single-seaters to improve the visibility of the cars on the track. If the tests of this rain protection kit are convincing, the drivers could quickly be equipped with this system during the next rainy races.
