TechLife: ESC key is next to F1..

..but that isn't the case on F1 tracks, where racing cars runs at high speed -- about 220mph (or 360kmh). So unlike using your computer where you can just press F1 key for help or hit ESC key when somethin' goes wrong, F1 drivers' skills and agility does not guarantee that they'll be able to ESCape death-trap when confronted with one.

You probably have heard of Felipe Massa's recent accident during the qualifying Hungarian Grand Prix. I was amazed that after bein' hit by a flying debris [from Rubens Barrichello's car, who's running a few distance in front of him], he still managed to reduce the speed of his turbo-charged Ferrari to lessen the impact of the crash (as he knew he would). Imagine a tiny piece of metal flying @ a rate of plus/minus 150mph speed and hitting him on the head, it would've knocked him out instantly. I guess it's a requirement for an F1 driver to be physically fit and with a sharp mind so that they'll know, somehow, what to do when faced with grave danger.

Some news reported Massa attempted to slow down his car (like pressing the ESC key huh? hehe), while other news said that he appeared to be speaking with his race engineer after the crash (sort of pressing the F1 key for help?). So maybe.. just maybe.. this is the reason why ESC key is placed next to F1. Haha =)

Anyway, I've read in F1-tech site that Massa talked about "how much safety has to remain the priority on the track" (see here for his full statement) after his friend Surtees died in a race few weeks before his tragedy. Isn't it ironic?

I was gonna post the crash footage but all the videos I saw in youtube earlier has already been removed for violation whatsover.. even the BBC news coverage was removed. geez. :(

So how's the added safety measures gonna be in the future race? a closed cockpit? ...or just tightening of screws so no object will come flying in or out of the race track? hehe =)

ciao!

c",)