Drivers say F1 must keep fast pitstops amid safety clampdown

Both the FIA and FOM have introduced changes to pitlane protocol in the wake of a cameraman getting hit by a loose wheel from Mark Webber's car at the German Grand Prix.

As well as teams now facing grid penalties if cars are released with loose wheels, there has been a change in the pitlane speed limit and restrictions on media access.

Ideas have also been put forward about ways of slowing down the pitstops to stop mechanics needing to rush matters.

But drivers are not convinced that going that far is necessary, especially because part of F1's attraction is the speed with which wheels are changed.

Webber said: "When they turn a car around quickly it is a great advert for the sport.

"It is another part of our operation as an industry to show how performance orientated we are, although that stuff doesn't really go into road car stuff or your local Kwikfit.

"It's a nice message to show how much time we focus on it. It's impressive and a lot of people talk about it when they walk past the garage and they see an F1 car arriving and disappearing in two or three seconds."

'BRING BACK REFUELLING'

Jenson Button thinks a simple solution to the debate over whether or not pitstops are too quick is to bring back refuelling.

"It is an exciting part of the sport and motor racing is dangerous, as we all know," explained the McLaren driver.

"They didn't used to have speed limits in the pitlane and now they have speed limits so that is a good step forward.

"Obviously the pitstops have got very, very fast and there have been a few incidents of tyres coming off, which is horrendous.

"But the reason they are so fast now is because we don't have refuelling. We have taken away a danger, refuelling, and got faster pitstops - so I think bring back refuelling. I am sure it was a lot more fun."

Fernando Alonso thinks that ultimately any changes that can improve safety around pitstops has to be a positive for everyone.

"We all try to find the limit in pitstops," he said. "If they find a solution to increase the pitstop time to improve safety, and it is the same for all the teams, I think no one will disagree."