Ferrari working on HANS problem

Ferrari is currently working on solving the problem with the HANS device that gave Rubens Barrichello trouble in Melbourne, to the extent that he was exempt from wearing it in Malaysia. Barrichello will be testing a modified version at Barcelona this week but Ferrari say if the troubles continue, Barrichello could be replaced in Brazil.

According to the FIA, no exemptions from using HANS will be permitted in the future and it's up to the teams to make sure the device is fitted properly. Therefore, if Ferrari cannot come up with a solution for Barrichello, the team would have no choice but to substitute him.

"Malaysia showed that with the current set-up Rubens feels pain but I would expect we will be able to solve the problem," a Ferrari spokesperson was quoted by the UK's The Daily Telegraph. "We are testing a new system and for the time being we are not speculating on having any more difficulties with it. But if any driver is not comfortable then we would use our second driver."

Luca Badoer is Ferrari's senior test driver and likely to be on stand by, as he is at most races should there be a problem with one of the race drivers. However, in Malaysia it was youngster Felipe Massa that was on hand, due to Badoer still recovering from a crash in testing the previous week.

Michael Schumacher seems to have no problems with the HANS device and Ferrari is experimenting with an adaptation for Barrichello, devised by McLaren's David Coulthard. An extra belt is attatched to alleviate the pressure caused by HANS on the driver's shoulders and collarbones. Alterations are permitted to HANS providing they are approved by the FIA.

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