Unfortunately, only actual accidents can prove the implementation of safety standards in motorsport, and this one does it best.
Unlike crashes simulated or performed in controlled testing conditions, real-life mishaps are subjected to a wide array of unforeseen factors that can interfere with the outcome. That’s why when designing a high-speed racer, especially an open-wheel-car, engineers take into account as many details as possible; so that in an event like this one, the most important component – the driver – escapes unharmed.
During the first British F3 Championship, that took place last weekend at Oulton Park in Cheshire, Ameya Vaidyanathan cheated death after his single-seater went airborne. The Indian, who was in 10th position after losing four places at the start, clipped South African driver Sisa Ngebulana’s wheel; the maneuver sent him into the air, rolling multiple times before coming to a stop.
“Ngebulana had a poor exit out of the first corner and we were side-by-side heading into the flat kink heading into Cascades. Unfortunately, our wheels touched and after that my view was quite disturbing. I felt quite a few big hits but I have no idea what direction they were in or where they came from”, said Vaidyanathan
The race was immediately red flagged, as track marshals rushed at the scene of the accident. Luckily, the aftermath wasn’t as gruesome as the crash itself, with Vaidyanathan waking unscathed from the wreck. According to Motorsport, he was described as being “alert and conscious” by the series organizers.
“I am just very thankful to the people at Tatuus for the strength of the car, the people involved in the championship too and everyone in the team for all their support”, concluded the 19-year old driver.