GPDA chairman Alex Wurz has written to the F1 drivers to reassure them that the organisation would like more information about Fernando Alonso’s Barcelona accident, which would help ascertain if anything can be done to improve safety standards.
Wurz is adamant that the incident did not result from the driver receiving an electric shock, and that safety aspects worked as intended by the rules. However, he says that the GPDA is still keen to learn more about what happened from the FIA and McLaren – while accepting that it will take time to gather all the facts.
Wurz noted in the letter: “In order to get the full picture and understand the accident as a whole, it will take a little longer, and that goes especially for any potential improvements which might or might not be necessary. The GPDA will keep the dialogue with the FIA and McLaren ongoing and for the time being, we wish Fernando a speedy recovery.”
Asked by this writer about the letter, Wurz said: “It is a normal email and communication between the GPDA and the F1 drivers. By nature of the GPDA we stand for safety. As such we support evidence based research and development.
“Analysing an accident is one thing, and drawing conclusions is another. We understand people want answers and conclusions, but to get the full picture, one needs to wait until all facts are collected and understood.
“And in order to keep the drivers informed, and avoid getting them involved into the unfounded speculations, such emails are exchanged. That’s it.
“Just to make it clear, the GPDA did not ask anyone to make an official investigation, as we know that this accident is looked at with great care, and that the crisis management of the McLaren team and the FIA, so lets say F1 as a whole, is very profound. The key stake holders and researchers know that they can count on the support of the GPDA, and regularly use us drivers to help.”
The text of the letter is as follows:
Dear Drivers,
In regards to Fernando’s accident:
The impact:
The impact forces were in the lower double digit g numbers. Exact details of the g-forces and the time over which such g-forces accrued on the car, the driver and more important on his head has not been disclosed (yet).
Fact gathering – CAR:
The ear accelerometers and the cars data recording should give (once again) an important inside into the accident. Currently it is understood that all the safety precautions of the car worked as intended by the rules. So all the rumors of electric shock, etc are false.
Fact gathering – DRIVER:
However, to understand the accident, the causes and the consequences to the drivers safety, we need to wait for the medical reports to understand the full picture. But we will give Fernando, his family and the doctors their space they require. I am not in a position to tell you anything about Fernando’s medical situation.
Conclusions:
In order to get the full picture and understand the accident as a whole, it will take a little longer, and that goes especially for any potential improvements which might or might not be necessary. The GPDA will keep the dialogue with the FIA and McLaren ongoing and for the time being, we wish Fernando a speedy recovery.
I keep you informed, if in the meantime any of you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Alex
Adam Cooper F1 