Volunteers
PROFILE: HANSEL CRASTO Trainee Scrutineer
How would you define the role How can we encourage of a Scrutineer/what do you other younger people to get do on an average event day? involved? As an F1 technical scrutineer, the set-up days consist of safety scrutineering to make sure all teams comply with the FIA regulations.
How did you first get involved in motorsport?
During race weekends two scrutineers are posted in each team’s garage (I was with Haas) and are required to make notes of all technical operations performed on the cars and mediate between the teams and the FIA for any changes or concerns.
I stumbled across a start-up rally school while on a solo road trip between two cities in India. I signed up immediately and worked there full-time for a year! Fast forward a few years and today I am based in the UK working at McLaren GT as a Customer Support Engineer.
Tyres are scanned during sessions and on the grid before the race. A scrutineer plays a serious role as it is his/her responsibility to ensure that all vehicles are safe and legal to race.
Why did you want to get involved/become a Scrutineer?
The training is very informative and supportive. More than the in-depth material the training connects new volunteers with experienced scrutineers who work as mentors as the new recruits build up their expertise. As they say, experience is the best teacher!
I’ve always wanted to be more than just a spectator. I wanted to get closer to the cars, understand the different industry functions and ultimately develop a career in motorsport. Scrutineering provided me with the best opportunity to gain hands-on technical experience and network with some of the sport’s most renowned technical minds. The highlight of my scrutineering experience was definitely the Formula 1 technical scrutineering role at the 2017 British GP!
By bringing volunteers closer to the action like how it used to be in the early days. While keeping safety in mind it’s important for volunteers to be able to connect and communicate with their heroes, teams and the cars. If anyone wants to understand racing cars (and bikes) better, or is interested in meeting their heroes and sharing ideas, I would definitely recommend volunteering in motorsport. Volunteer marshals also help keep events safe and without them no event would be possible.
How did you find the MSA’s training?
Why should others get involved/volunteer in motorsport?
It’s a highly rewarding experience to meet like-minded individuals who share the same passion and discuss ideas, projects, and opportunities. The industry needs young enthusiasts to bring in their originality, enthusiasm, and spark to rejuvenate the volunteering community in motorsport.
more information Do you or someone you know want to get started as a volunteer marshal or official? If so, why not visit the MSA website at: www.msauk.org/Get-Started/Volunteering www.msauk.org
17