The Sweet Spot

Get the inside scoop on the week that was and the big issues facing sport World News Australia presenter Robert Grasso.

Riding the razor's edge

27 July 2009 | 9:14 - By Robert Grasso

What happens when a steel spring collides with a Formula One driver’s helmet at 275 kph?

Filipe_Massa_2707_blog_aap_1962555367

Filipe Massa (AAP)

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa found out the hard way at the weekend and frankly, it wasn’t pretty.

The injury which has been likened to being hit by a bullet, impacted with enough force that the Brazilian is currently recovering from fractures to his skull.

Which raises the question, will motorsport ever be safe?

Given the inherent danger which comes with throwing expensive metal around a track at phenomenal speed, no surprises the answer is a resounding no.

Can it be made safer?

Well, few, least of all the drivers and teams themselves would argue otherwise.

Especially given just last week, Briton Henry Surtees was killed after being hit on the head by a wheel from another car that crashed during a Formula Two race in England.

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh confirmed the recent crashes should act as a safety reminder similar to that which followed in 1994 when Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were killed.
 
"Obviously '94 was a massive wake-up call for all of us in Formula One at the time.

"It led to everyone, the FIA, teams, contributing to a lot of big steps forward in safety and I think we have to go again. For everyone involved we've got to make sure we do everything we can."

Like Boxing, Formula One is among the most world’s most dangerous sports. Like pugilism, the participants are also among the sporting worlds most highly paid.  But bound to that enormous financial compensation is massive risk.

Whilst nobody wants to see things go horribly wrong in the ring or on a track, it’s the prospect that things “may” go wrong which keeps people enthralled.  

It made me think of a recent quote from one of the opponents of former heavyweight champion of the world, Muhammad Ali.

Ron Lyle may not possess the accolades or ability of his more esteemed contemporary but in a few words he encapsulated the dilemma facing all athletes who ride the razor’s edge between entertainment and safety.

“You can lose your life giving the people what they want to see.”

 

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About this Blog

World News Australia's Robert Grasso analyses the week in sport. Follow @RobertGrasso

Robert Grasso Robert Grasso is an award-winning Senior Sports Journalist, Producer and Presenter for SBS World News Australia.

 
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