Formula 3 driver Christian Mansell competed in Bahrain with a cell phone in his cockpit. Mansell is a Type 1 diabetic and in order to manage the condition uses an implanted device which measures his blood sugar levels in real time.

That is recorded on an app on his cell phone, connected to the device via Bluetooth, and it wirelessly transmits the data to his coach.

Mansell, who cannot reach the phone while racing, will be warned by his coach if his blood sugar level becomes a safety risk. Cell phones are banned under the regulations but stewards agreed that Mansell could have the device for the sole reason of transmitting the data. Such dispensation was granted only for the Bahrain event and it is up to Mansell and his Campos team to find an acceptable long-term solution.

Mansell, an Australian who is not related to 1992 Formula 1 and 1993 CART champion Nigel Mansell. finished 14th and 13th in the two F3 races over the weekend.