Autosport.com is telling us that Fernando reported to McLaren HQ yesterday to finish up the fitting of his cockpit seat. Apparently molding a F1 chair is a multi-step process that is super critical to the driver’s comfort in the car. You may remember last season when an ill-fitting seat actually broke one of Mark Webber’s ribs in pre-season testing.
Taking a look at the Formula 1 Technical Regulations for 2007, section 4.8 mandates the following:
4.8 Seat fixing and removal:
14.8.1 In order that an injured driver may be removed from the car in his seat following an accident, all cars must be fitted with a seat which, if it is secured, must be done so with no more than two bolts. If bolts are used they must:
- be clearly indicated and easily accessible to rescue crews ;
- be fitted vertically ;
- be removable with the same tool for all Teams and which is issued to all rescue crews.
14.8.2 The seat must be equipped with receptacles which permit the fitting of belts to secure the driver and one which will permit the fitting of a head stabilisation device.
14.8.3 The seat must be removable without the need to cut or remove any of the seat belts.
14.8.4 Details of the tool referred to above, the belt receptacles and the head stabilisation device may be found in the Appendix to these regulations.
