Hans safety system gets Loeb’s vote

World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb has rated the Hans head and neck support device as the most significant safety feature introduced to the WRC since he began competing in the series.

Loeb said improvements to roll cage design and side impact protection systems had also played big parts in making rallying safer since he started competing in 1999, but the Hans device - which became compulsory for WRC competitors in 2005 - was his own favourite innovation.

Worn on the shoulders and around the back of the neck, the device is attached to the driver’s helmet by two straps and is designed to prevent neck injuries by stopping the head from moving about in the event of an accident.

“I think the first time we tested the Hans it was uncomfortable and not easy to wear, but we got used to it and it’s now it’s no problem,” Loeb told wrc.com. “I’m sure in the case of a big crash it’s good to have it. The side impact foam I don’t know, but I hope I never have to test it.

“It’s good that people in the sport are thinking about trying to improve the security in the car, however this is rally and it’s not possible to have zero risk - it cannot exist in this kind of sport. But the most important safety improvement to me is Hans. Nowadays I don’t think about wearing it, but if I drive without it I feel strange - I feel loose,” he added.