Marussia unveils MR01 while tentative to pass crash test for 2012 season – Formula 1 news
Marussia unveils its 2012 challenger the MR01 on a filming day at Silverstone while still awaiting the crash test clearance.
Marussia delayed the launch of its new car and hoped to get the car ready in time for the second pre-season test at Barcelona. Unfortunately, the car could not pass the now compulsory crash test. The FIA has stipulated in the regulations for the 2012 seasons
that all cars must pass the crash test prior to their participation in the pre-season test.
Previously though teams only had to make sure the cars passed the test for the season and not for the pre-season tests, but in a bid to make the sport safer the FIA made it compulsory for the pre-season test as well.
Team's technical director Pat Symonds also mentioned that the car must pass the one more test and it is going to be a crucial one for the team.
“The component in question has actually passed an 'unobserved' crash test but has been performing inconsistently in the observed tests,” Symonds said. “The fail has only been marginal but, nonetheless, we need to completely eradicate that margin and as such
we are taking the time we have to ensure we have an even more robust solution in place.”
Marussia along with Hispania Racing Team are the only two teams who have failed their new car's crash tests. Both teams have not been able to get any track time prior to the season and will have now the big hurdle of passing the test while hoping to get
a good start at the season opener.
“Today is the first of two promotional events, so while the drivers will be able to get a feel for the car, they won't be able to draw any real conclusions until we start running in anger in Melbourne. Nevertheless, this is an important day for us and we'll
enjoy every minute on track with the new car,” he said.
The season begins on March 18, 2012 with the Australian Grand Prix as the opening race. It will be interesting to see how Marussia handles the pressure of not having any track time data prior to the season.
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