More than 160 race circuit marshals and medical personnel from around Europe converged on the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track on 19 January for the third annual Extrication and Rescue Seminar organised by the FIA Institute and the French Motor Sport Federation (FFSA). Paul Ricard was the first circuit facility in the world to be recognized by the FIA Institute as a Centre of Excellence.

The programme involved a seminar followed by practical training sessions throughout the day. The attendees received training on a number of different race cars, including cars from the FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Touring Car Championship and the FIA GT Championship.

Professor Gerald Saillant said: “This programme offers an important opportunity for extrication teams around Europe to train together and learn from each other. It provides invaluable experience to help them improve their techniques and increase their knowledge of driver extrication following an accident.”

Safety and medical personnel from around Europe attended the event, including officials from major Grand Prix circuits such as Magny-Cours, Spa-Francorchamps and Circuit de Catalunya.

A Toyota TF105 Formula One car, which was presented to the FIA Institute last year, will be used to give the circuit staff valuable practice working on an actual race chassis. The car has been specially modified with a jig fitted so it can easily roll upside down to help with training in various circumstances.

It also features a modified driver’s seat to fit a crash test dummy into the cockpit and a dummy steering wheel. Instead of an engine, a steel frame has been included in the rear of the car to simulate the size and weight of a Formula One engine. The car features Bridgestone tyres and Takata safety restraints in line with Toyota’s race specifications.