Melbourne, Mar 03: Formula 1 drivers are split on the merits of a new safety device to be introduced at this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, with some angry at being forced to wear it. With just four days until the cars hit the Albert Park Street circuit, there is discontent with the Head and Neck Support (Hans) which the sport's governing body has deemed compulsory for all track sessions. Hans is a plastic yoke that sits atop a driver's shoulders and extends up the back of the helmet, attached by tethers. It was designed for the American cart series to stop spinal injuries caused by heavy whiplash-inflicting collisions. However, time has all but run out for many drivers to find comfort and there is a fear some may be so hampered by the device that it could seriously affect concentration and stamina in Sunday's race.

Minardi rookie Justin Wilson has yet to find a Hans that fits him and is worried about the impact it could have in the race. "A few of the drivers have ordered the wider one, but I don't think they were going to have them made in time for this grand prix, so I'm not sure what's going to happen," Wilson said today.

"When we use the standard one, it hits the muscles at the side of my neck, and that's like someone forcing their thumbs into your neck for race distance - you're going to lose your neck after two laps," Wilson said.

Bureau Report