Romain Grosjean’s crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix recorded a peak force equivalent to 67Gs, an FIA investigation into the crash found.
The car racing governing body has published its full report on the crash and the areas of safety it needs to improve. Grosjean miraculously fled after his Haas car hit an obstacle, parted and caught fire.
The study concluded that Grosjean hit the barrier at 192 kmh at an estimated yaw of 22 degrees.
The French driver spent 27 seconds inside the car. He has already described the horrific experience and how he was sure he was going to die.
Explaining how the car could split in two and catch fire, the report said: “The car suffered significant damage during the impact including the splitting of the power train assembly from the car. survival cell.
“The fuel tank inspection lever on the left side of the chassis was disassembled and the engine fuel supply connection was ripped from the fuel tank’s ‘safety bladder’; both providing primary avenues for fuel to escape. from the tank.
“The driver safety equipment including helmet, HANS and safety equipment as well as the Halo survival cell, seat, headrest and cockpit front protection complied with their specifications in protecting the driver’s survival area and controlling the forces exerted on the driver during the impact.
“The battery of the High Voltage Power Recovery System (ERS) was severely damaged, with some parts of the ERS battery assembly left by the powder and others still attached to the survival cell.
“A fire was ignited in the final stages of the impact of the obstacle, starting from the back of the surviving cell and advancing towards the driver as the fire grew.”
“The resting position of the surviving cell, in contrast to the high barrier rail of the barrier, severely obstructed the passage for an exit. As a result of damage to the surviving cell and several components within its environment cock, Romain Grosjean’s left leg was caught first the car came to rest.
“The driver was able to free his leg by removing it from his racing shoe leaving the shoe in the locked position in the car and then moving both the detachable headrest and his steering wheel to get the car out. “
The FIA has promised a list of safety priorities after the crash. The governing body continues to evaluate car survival cell, as well as rear view mirror and headrest assembly, with the way Grosjean struggled to free himself from view. cockpit.
Power unit failure modes will also be investigated.
Grosjean was shot to his hands but is scheduled to race in IndyCar for Dale Coyne this year.
The report said the medical car reached the scene within 11 seconds of the crash. This response time was partly achieved due to the driver of the safety car making a short cut over Turn 1.