Mini Changes ?

[Craig]

I heard that there were a whole load of changes to the design of the Mini Miglias (and Se7ens ?) after the tragic accident at Silverstone, and the crashes at Mallory Park, earlier this year. Anyone know more details on what they are, and whether the costs involved might reduce the grids for next season ?

[Chris Y]

Essentially, the changes are subtle - to try to reduce the type of accidents that have caused controversy recenty, whilst improving safety inside the cars (and avoiding 'knee-jerk' reactions).

There are changes to the way the seats are mounted (on frames closer to the centre of the car I believe), recommendations for newer seats (with wrap-around head-restraints) and harnesses, further padding to rollcage areas, and a reduction in the track of the cars to prevent interlocking wheels (esp. important for Miglias, as the most recent accidents have occured between cars on straights tangling wheels).