The ASIS consists of some extra panels built from high efficiency energy absorbing foam located one within the door cavity and the other between the door and the driver's seat. According to the FIA, the system will strengthen the front-door section of the car and reduce the risk of intrusions in case of high-speed side impact accidents.
The new safety elements imposed by the FIA for the 2009 season have made both the Citroen World Rally Team and BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team reconsider their side-window structure (because of the ASIS panel located within the door).
According to the WRC official site, it seems that Citroen have decided to go for polycarbonate windows, while fitting it with a sliding panel that allows ventilation. On the other hand, the revised Ford Focus WRC will benefit from non-opening glass window that feature electrical heating to prevent condensation.
The new system comes as an extra safety measure to the already-existing elements introduced by the FIA throughout the 2008 season. This particular device has been developed during the course of this winter by FIA Institute’s Closed Car Research Group. For the time being, only the Fords and Citroens WRC will be fitted with the new system, while other independent teams are likely to follow. The FIA is yet to announce whether the ASIS will be mandatory on all cars competing in the 2009 WRC or simply enter the optional-feature category..
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