Specifications

Hand held extinguishers must be located within the cockpit and be accessible
to the Driver once they have vacated the vehicle. These should be securely
mounted to prevent movement while driving/braking. In the event of a fire,
Drivers should first exit the vehicle and then if possible, remove the extinguisher
and attempt to extinguish the fire if safe to do so.
Article 53: Visibility
The Driver must have access to a direct arc of visibility (ahead, and to) 90° on
each side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This field of vision must be
achieved without aid of any optical (or electronic) devices such as mirrors,
prisms, periscopes, etc. Movement of the Driver’s head within the confines of
the vehicle body to achieve a complete arc of vision is allowed.
The vehicle must be equipped with a rear-view mirror on each side of the
vehicle, each with a minimum surface area of 25cm
2
(e.g. 5cm x 5cm). The
visibility provided by these mirrors, and their proper attachment, will be subject
to inspection. An electronic device must not replace rear-view mirror.
An Inspector will check visibility in each of the vehicles in order to assess on-
track safety. This Inspector will check good visibility with seven 60cm high
blocks spread out every 30° in a half-circle, with a 5m radius in front of the
vehicle.
Article 54: Safety Belts
The Driver's seat must be fitted with an effective safety harness having at least
five mounting points to maintain the Driver in his/her seat.
• The mounting point(s) for the crotch strap(s) must be below the Driver’s
torso to prevent the Driver from slipping forward.
• The 5 independent belts must be firmly attached to the vehicle's main
structure and be fitted into a single buckle, specifically designed for this
purpose.
• The safety belt must be worn and fastened at all times when the vehicle is in
motion.
• The fitness for purpose of the harness and its fitting will be evaluated during
technical inspection.
• The harness must be propriety.
This means the safety harness must be specifically manufactured for
motorsport use. (e.g. certified or compliant with FIA standards)
• The safety harness must be worn and fastened at all times when the vehicle
is in motion.
Article 55: Vehicle Access
It is imperative for Drivers, fully harnessed, to be able to vacate their vehicles at
any time without assistance in less than 10 seconds.
The opening release mechanism must be easily operable from the inside. The
method of opening from the outside must be clearly marked by a red arrow and
must not require any tools.
It is forbidden to use adhesive tape to securely close the Driver’s opening from
the outside.
Article 56: Vehicle Steering / Handling and Turning Radius
• Vehicle steering must be achieved by one system operated with both hands
using a turning motion. It must be precise, with no excessive play.
• Steering must be achieved using a steering wheel or sections of a wheel.
• Steering bars, tillers, joysticks, indirect or electric systems are not permitted.
Shell Eco-marathon ® Official Rules 2011 – Chapter 1
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• The turning radius must be less than 6m.