The monocoque is the safety cell of most single seaters race cars around the globe, from the beginners' development series to Formula 1.
It was the aircraft industry which used carbon fibre monocoques first in the early '80s, only to be adapted by Formula 1. A composite material, carbon fibre is light, but also very strong.
In case of an impact only the nose is supposed to crumble. In this feature AMG Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg explains how the monocoque saves his life, in combination with spectacular crash test images from the Allianz Center of Technology in Munich, Germany.
The Spanish crowd got what they wanted Sunday at the Circuit de Catalunya for the Grand prix of Spain, as Fernando Alonso drove brilliantly to secure his first win here in Barcelona since 2006.
