13 replies to this topic

[GT Racing Online Magazine]

"During Sauber's investigations of Raikkonen's steering wheel it has appeared that a manufacturing error is most probably to blame for the accident (where the steering wheel came off).

However, Sauber will launch further investigations, since if it really turns out to be a manufacturing error the whole steering-column will have to be re-built."
-Quoted from finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat.

[johnbe2]

During an interview with Peter Sauber which was shown on Swiss television last night he said that a one of his mechanics was able to pull off the steering wheel from its rod after using all his strength and thereby bending the steering rod a little. Sauber said that he could imagine a driver in the heat of the race applying such force to the steering wheel that it could come off. He also said that this should clearly not be possible and that it was a construction error. A new mechanism to connect the steering wheel has already been constructed (with stronger springs to hold it in place) and Heidfeld is supposed to be testing it already today (I can't remember where they are testing though).

[GT Racing Online Magazine]

I can't remember where they are testing though)

Mugello

[Louis Mr. F1]

this is just unacceptable, imagine if it happens @ corners like Eau Rouge or the original Tamburello or 130 @ suzuka, the consequence would be devastated.
Sauber should consider themselve to be very fortunate.

One trivia question, do you remember which driver experience a similar problem in his debut F1 race? what yr, race, driver, team?

[GT Racing Online Magazine]

which driver experience a similar problem in his debut F1 race?

Yeah, of course, my other fav. driver, Hakkinen at Phoenix in 1991 or 1992..in the by then crappy Lotus.

[Louis Mr. F1]

ha that's quick!!!
yes, it was Hakka @ Pheonix in 91. He spun the car in the straight, looked at his steering wheel in his hands and couldnt believe it. Re-attached to the column and continued, talk about bravery. I reckon now, he would've retired immediately to avoid potential bigger accident.

[Finntastic]

Originally posted by Louis Mr. F1

One trivia question, do you remember which driver experience a similar problem in his debut F1 race? what yr, race, driver, team?

Steering wheel problems:
*Mika Häkkinen (Phoenix 1991, Team Lotus)
*Ayrton Senna (Imola 1994)
*Michael Schumacher (Brazil 1995, Free Practice)
*Kimi Räikkönen (Imola 2001)

[GT Racing Online Magazine]

It's probably happened quite a few times over the years, I recall reading that once Graham Hill crashed out because his steering column came loose, and when he applied breaks in the next corner his fingers were trapped against the dashboard... it was in the 60's during a US GP don't recall whic year though...

[mmmm]

Ohjausratin irtoaminen vain vahvisti ennusteita Räikkösen tulevasta supertähteydestä. Kuuluisat rattipulmansa kokivat aikanaan maailmanmestarit Mika Häkkinen (Phoenix 1991), Ayrton Senna (Imola 1994) ja Michael Schumacher (Brasilian harjoitukset 1995).Ohjausratin irtoaminen vain vahvisti ennusteita Räikkösen tulevasta supertähteydestä. Kuuluisat rattipulmansa kokivat aikanaan maailmanmestarit Mika Häkkinen (Phoenix 1991), Ayrton Senna (Imola 1994) ja Michael Schumacher (Brasilian harjoitukset 1995).
Quote Finntastic

In English: Kimi will be a champ as the other names mentioned ... having had steering wheel problems :-)

[Ranger]

is that what that said?

i thought you were ordering a 12 course dinner

[Mrv]

They should have invested in a Ferrari wheel. I guess they ran out of money.

[Mila]

I think that there was a thread recently at the Nostalgia Forum on the topic of detached steering wheels.

[unrepentant lurker]

Originally posted by Wolbo
Sauber should be made accountable for this unacceptabe error. These failures should not be possible with proper quality procedures in place. Had it happened at a worse moment it could have killed Raikkonen just like it killed Senna. Thumbs down for Sauber.

Yes it was a serious error. Everyone is a bit upset about its (possible?) similarity to AS's accident, and at the same track even.

However, proper quality control does not mean zero errors. Their have been numerous critical failures in recent times which could have had disastrous consequences but have not.

Just a few I can think of:
MH at Oz2001. Suspension failure resulted in a minor concussion.
MH at Hockenheim99. Tire failure was pretty spectacular.
MH at Silverstone99. Imagine if his tire came off in stowe.
MS at Silverstone99. Broken brakes and a broken leg.

If we are going to shoot Sauber at dawn, then Ron and Ross need to be out there with him.

[Dimo]

JH losing the rear end of his Jag in Malaysia last year was pretty scary looking as well...