yesterday 18:00
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That day, more than 19 years have passed since Ayrton Senna’s death. The changes after his accident led to an increase in safety, thanks to which we have not lost a driver for many years. Everything changed on October 5, 2014.
The Japanese from Suzuka was awaited by a race on the water, which always carries with it the risk. Nobody expected that the Japanese track would be the place that would take the life of one of the greatest talents of the Ferrari academy. It was the accident of Jules Bianchi that initiated the first discussions on the so-called halo, which today saves lives.
After the lack of qualification of the under-average Marussia, Jules Bianchi only started from 18th place. His teammate Max Chilton also from the last. Already after the start it was evident that the race would take place in difficult conditions, as the visibility was minimal, to which was added the so-called spray created by the individual cars.
On lap 42, spectators witnessed Adrian Sutil’s big accident, crashing into the barrier due to a skid. Immediately after the accident, the yellow flags were raised and a crane went out on the track to remove Sutil’s car.
A lap later, at the same point, the French driver Jules Bianchi lost control of his car. At a speed of 126 km / h, he flew under the crane that was supposed to remove the destroyed car. During the impact he was overloaded with 58G, Adrian Sutil’s car fell from the crane and Jules Bianchi flew 5 meters under the crane.
After that, there was complete silence in Japan, with only the sounds of ambulances. The race was immediately stopped and everyone focused only on Jules Bianchi’s condition. He remained in a coma for many months, until on the night of July 15, 2015, more than 7 months after the accident, he took his last breath.
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Bianchi jules havaria suzuka okt14 sita
Big changes and the beginning of the halo
Since the accident of the Marussia driver, in the world of “e-units” discussions have begun on improving safety, on the exit of the safety vehicle and on red flags. Only then did we start talking about the real possibility of a total or partial closure of the cockpit, to which several drivers were positive despite the great criticism of the fans.
“I don’t know if it would work, but it is absolutely necessary to discuss safety further. I can imagine that at some point there will be a change. I am never against changes that are good for safety and racing. It will not harm the show.” Lewis Hamilton told Auto Motor und Sport, whose “halo” system saved his life last year at Monza.
Current Red Bull driver Sergio Peréz has taken a similar stance. “This is unacceptable. We have to look at the responses from the FIA on what happened in this tragic accident. We should make sure they listen to us.” continues “Checo” Perez. “When the crane comes out in the future to remove the car, there must be a Safety Car on the track. Regardless of the circumstances, because the risk is always there”, finished the Mexican.
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Jules bianchi marussia grand prix japan water ott2014 screw
Virtual Safety Car or double yellow flags
After a thorough investigation into the incident, a nearly 400-page report was published which, among other things, changed the new rules. They introduced the now well-known virtual safety car or double yellow flag.
In addition, a rule has been introduced that in case of heavy rain and poor visibility, there will be no races. A good example is last year’s Belgian Grand Prix, which angered many fans. In remembering Jules Bianchi, however, it is important to remember that the health and safety of the riders, at the time very much at risk, is of primary importance.
The tragedy united the entire world of the formula, which decided to fight together for a rapid increase in safety. Many pilots clamored for a change, including two Brazilian pilots, who commented on the event. “Jules’ accident shook everyone: drivers, teams and even the automobile federation. It opened everyone’s eyes and now we are all more attentive”. Sauber driver Felipe Nasr said a year after the accident.
“We drivers are constantly trying to improve Formula 1 in every way and after what happened the drivers are even more stuck. Many things have changed since the accident: for example, a virtual Safety Car has been introduced, which we can see on the track. at any time. Whether there is only debris or a big dangerous situation. The pilots are much more careful “, Felipe Nasr concluded his statement.
According to Felipe Massa, the measures taken could mean that unnecessary accidents will not be repeated. “It’s a good idea (virtual safety car, ed), today it is practically impossible to have the same accident that Jules did. After his accident, there was more and more talk of safety.
These days the cars of the motorsport queen are safer and, above all, measures are still being taken so that things like the Suzuka in 2014 do not happen again. A rider alone doesn’t have the power to change something big, so it’s important to work in a team “, the former Ferrari driver responded to the accepted changes.
The virtual safety car, the double yellow flags, the “halo” system, the postponement of the race in the pouring rain and many other innovations that arrived after the accident of Jules Bianchi have brought maximum safety to the world of Formula 1.
The only pity is that it was waited until the last moment, which cost the life of a talented young man. His manager Nicholas Todt has already said that Jules Bianchi could drive in Ferrari next season.
All names: Suzuka International Racing Course
First Grand Prix: 1987
Duration of a tour: 5,807 meters
Race duration: 307,471 kilometers
Number of rounds: 53
Number of laps: 18
Track record: 1: 30.983, Lewis Hamilton (2019)
Most victories since 2010 – drivers: Lewis Hamilton (4)
Most wins since 2010 – teams: Mercedes (6)
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