FIA Seizes Dakar Star's 'Cheese-Colored' HANS Device
Ahead of the Dakar Rally, the FIA confiscated veteran Tom Coronel's custom-painted HANS device, a piece of equipment he's used for a decade, due to its unusual spray-painted finish.
Dakar Rally veteran Tom Coronel faced an unusual pre-race hurdle when FIA officials confiscated his custom spray-painted HANS device. The governing body, apparently unfamiliar with a modified device, seized the "cheese-colored" equipment that Coronel has used safely for the past decade. Despite the bureaucratic snag, the Dutch driver remains upbeat and ready for the grueling event.
Why it matters:
The incident underscores the FIA's stringent and sometimes bureaucratic approach to safety equipment, where even non-structural modifications can trigger scrutiny. It raises questions about the balance between standardized safety protocols and a driver's personalization of gear, especially when linked to personal sponsorships. For a driver, any unexpected issue with equipment just before Parc Fermé can be a significant mental distraction ahead of one of the world's most demanding races.
The details:
- The "Cheese" Device: Coronel's HANS device and helmet are painted a distinct yellow to match his sponsorship with a cheese company, a livery he has used for 10 years.
- FIA's Reaction: During the final pre-race inspection, FIA officials stated they had never encountered a spray-painted HANS device and promptly confiscated it for review.
- Uncertain Return: Coronel was told by officials, "Maybe you'll get it back," leaving his primary safety equipment in limbo just before the race start.
- Driver's Attitude: The veteran driver took the situation in stride, finding humor in the bureaucracy and expressing his readiness to compete regardless of the outcome.
Looking Ahead:
Despite the unexpected drama with his HANS device, Coronel's focus remains squarely on the Dakar Rally. His car has passed all other inspections and is now locked in Parc Fermé, ready for the start. While he waits to see if his trusted piece of safety equipment will be returned, his message is clear: "Bring it on! Let it begin." The incident will likely be a minor footnote in what promises to be another challenging rally for the Coronel brothers.