GP2 car passes crash test.

The Dallara-designed chassis destined for the new GP2 Series has taken another step towards competition by passing all the safety and security tests required of it.

Fitted with the regulation dummy driver, the car completed the tests, usually set for chassis designed to compete in Formula One, late last year, undergoing strenuous assessment on a range of areas, including its front, rear and side protection zones and roll hoop. Crash tests were carried out using the F1 standard 780kg at between 10m/s (lateral test) and 14m/s (frontal test). The steering column was also tested, being subjected to an 8kg stress at 7m/s.

Static tests were also carried out on the cockpit survival cell, with the front and rear roll hoops receiving loads of 7.5 and 12 tonnes respectively, while the nose fixings and read impact structures were both subjected to four tonnes.

In the midst of passing the F1-style safety tests, however, Dallara's designers realised that they could also improve on many areas of the car in order to make it even safer. As a result, the GP2 machine will feature improved headrests, extinguishers and wheel tethers before testing gets under way at Paul Ricard on 10 February. The use of the HANS device will also be mandatory for all drivers.