F1 drivers concerned about wet races

Several F1 drivers have opened talks with the FIA on the subject of racing safety in wet conditions for 2008. Indeed, concerns are growing regarding racing in the rain without traction control.

Even though the new 2008 cars were designed with the anti-skid ban in mind, a number of Grand Prix drivers have expressed concerns about safety during races in the rain.

Fears have led to the opening of a dialogue between F1 drivers and race director Charlie Whiting with the aim of finding a plan of action in the event of wet races.

David Coulthard, one of the key figures in improving safety in F1, stated: « Fernando Alonso went aquaplaning and went off the track at Fuji during the last Japanese Grand Prix. Electronics can’t always protect us, and it’s going to happen much more often without traction control. »

« We do not want a monstrous accident where a car climbs over another single-seater, goes into the crowd. For example, an accident that Alex Zanardi suffered at the Lausitzring in 2001. »

« I am confident in the way Charlie Whiting works, even if in the past he hasn’t always made the right decisions at the right time. But I am convinced that he will do the right thing. His help and advice prove to be invaluable, and that is why we have started a dialogue rather than trying to react after the fact, » he added.

Jenson Button from Honda Racing said: « The only concern I have about driving without traction control is valid during wet weather races. It’s going to be very dangerous. We couldn’t race at Fuji last year without traction control. »

Felipe Massa from Ferrari added: « In terms of safety, this is a big step backwards. We will have more accidents in races when they take place in wet conditions. »

I spoke with Michael Schumacher and several other drivers and they all told me that it will be much more dangerous to drive a car without traction control today than it was in the past. Races like Fuji 2007 will be very dangerous.

But FIA president Max Mosley believes a race in the rain is always dangerous with or without anti-skid technology.

« Driving on a wet track is very dangerous with or without anti-skid. It’s dangerous in the sense that you are likely to skid off the road, but you have less risk of injury because the speed will be lower. »

Imagine, in the most extreme circumstances, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone taking place on snow; no one will get hurt because no one will be caught off guard by the speed!

« The situation will be more difficult on a wet track, but anyway, it is always more challenging on a wet track. Even the least skilled drivers in F1 are surprisingly good in these conditions. »