HANS-free drivers no longer permitted, insist FIA.

Following Rubens Barrichello's special dispensation to race without the controversial HANS safety device in Malaysia on Sunday, Formula One's governing body has decided to clamp down on further loopholes by insisting that anyone needing to race without the device would have to be replaced.

Barrichello was allowed to remove the device after F1 doctor Prof Sid Watkins agreed that he had a medical condition that would make using the harness uncomfortable in Malaysia, but now appears to be the last driver to get away without using it in a grand prix - despite Minardi's Justin Wilson suffering a temporary paralysis in one of his arms when his tethers broke loose, allowing the HANS device to cut off his circulation.

Following the Sepang event, the FIA sent all ten competing teams the following statement, outlining the benefits of using the HANS device and the strict new guidelines for its use:

"The evidence that the HANS system significantly reduces the risk of injury to a driver in a major accident is overwhelming. Teams have known about the system and the proposals for its introduction for more than two years. Indeed, the system was officially announced for Formula One in April 2001 at the San Marino Grand Prix by the president of the FIA, accompanied by Professor Hubbert of DaimlerChrysler (which did much of the development work).

"The system can be uncomfortable if not properly adjusted for the individual driver. It also marginally raises the height of the centre of gravity of the car. It would be unfair if some drivers were allowed to race without it. At the same time, the proven safety gains are so great that it would be irresponsible to abandon the system.

Accordingly, there will be no dispensations from now on. If any driver is unable to wear the device for medical or other reasons, the team concerned will have to replace him, just as they would if he could not wear a crash helmet or seat belts.

Teams are reminded that they are free to modify the HANS system to suit their cars and drivers, provided any modification is first agreed with the FIA Safety Commission."

David Coulthard revealed before the Australian Grand Prix that he had worked with partners of the McLaren team to come up with a system whereby his seat-belt included an extra second strap to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by wearing the HANS device, and Barrichello admitted at the Sepang press conference that he, too, would be looking to introduce the new belts from Brazil next month.

"I must thank the stewards very much for not having to use it," the Brazilian admitted, "I developed a little problem on the nerve on my back and, because I cannot get tight enough inside the car because of the HANS, I have a little hernia which is quite painful.

"Next week, hopefully, we're going to have these two seat-belts, which is probably going to give me the fitting that I need in the seat. It's the same system that David has on the car - one belt that, as far as I know, pulls you in very tight to the car and one on the top of the HANS. It will probably solve my problem, hopefully."

If it doesn't, stand by for Felipe Massa to make his Ferrari debut at Interlagos....