Sauber Features Saved Diniz.

Having examined the remains of Pedro Diniz's shattered Sauber, the Swiss team claims extra safety features fitted to the car probably saved the Brazilian's life in Sunday's European GP accident.


A statement released by Sauber's technical department alleges that both the head protection required by the FIA and a secondary structure built into the survival cell by the team combined to protect Diniz after the car's roll-hoop was broken off by the force of the incident, which marred the opening lap of last weekend's race.


The statement reads as follows:


"The roll-hoop structure was subjected to severe dynamic forces [during the accident]. The first impact happens with a speed of approximately 95km/h. The energy was absorbed by the predicted mechanism. After that, the roll-hoop structure laterally hits the kerbs and further energy was dissipated by the roll-hoop and its supporting structure. This high lateral load, far beyond the requested safety limits, consequently caused the rupture of the roll-hoop. As the car rolled over again, the driver was protected by a secondary structure to the top of the survival cell, which is a special feature of the Sauber-Petronas C18. Final protection was also provided by the high head support as recommended by the FIA."