BMW Sauber F1 Team Car - cockpit

The BMW Sauber F1 Team applies itself systematically to the pursuit of performance. However, one aspect enjoys considerably higher priorities than the search for vital fractions of seconds: safety. The cockpit of the F1.07 incorporates numerous safety systems upon which Nick Heidfeld, Robert Kubica, Timo Glock and Sebastien Vettel can rely.
The drivers are surrounded by a monocoque chassis. This safety cell is unusually light but incredibly rigid, and is capable of absorbing and dissipating immense energy in the event of an accident. A load-bearing structure constructed from carbon fibre, the monocoque plays a key safety role - having undergone continuous development since the introduction of the concept in 1962.
The BMW Sauber F1.07 is equipped with a liquid fire extinguisher system which triggers automatically in the event of fire. A six-point harness restrains the driver in a custom-moulded bucket seat incorporating two easily accessible mounting bolts. This standardised mounting system ensures that the driver can be safely but rapidly extracted from the car in the event of an accident.
The helmet is another indispensable part of a driver's safety equipment. As ever, racing's doctrine holds true: the lighter, the better. A complete helmet, including visor, padding and primer coat weighs in at a little over a kilogramme. Foam inlays moulded to the driver's head shape ensure maximum safety and comfort.
The steering wheel incorporates switchgear and computer read-outs. Via an inbuilt screen the driver can monitor up to 15 functions, including gear selection, engine revs, fuel level and temperatures. Gearshifts are controlled via paddles attached to the rear of the steering wheel, whilst switches and knobs activate the pit-to-car radio, drinking bottle as well as engine management systems and differential settings.