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McLaren content with safety in testing

Levels of safety at Formula One tests are more than acceptable, despite growing concerns expressed by leading drivers

That is the view of McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who believes that there is little need for action to improve the situation - and suggests that if drivers were asked to fund better safety, then they would probably baulk at the idea.

"The problem with safety is... you can't ever have 'too safe', so what is safe?," he said in the wake of comments from Mark Webber that levels of safety at tests remain sub standard.

"There is full medical backup at all our tests, and a helicopter. We have a system to look after the drivers' safety. Of course, to man the circuit with as many doctors as we have at a GP is very difficult logistically.

"Where we are today is a better position than we were 12 months ago, although you can always improve. But I think it is quite a good system.

"There is inevitably the potential to have an incident in testing, and you are in a different environment to that at a GP.

"You still have to push, but backing off or being cautious isn't costing you grid positions or race positions, so the whole thing is a different environment.

"Part of me wants to say, great guys, tell us what more you want, we'll work out the cost and you pay half. And I know what the reaction would be.

"You can have three helicopters and five doctors, etc., but it's got to reflect what you are trying to achieve and as I said, it's much safer now than it was in the past."

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