Drivers want more say in future rules

Following talks at recent meetings of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) to discuss ways the drivers can help out the governing body more, GPDA chairman Rubens Barrichello plus directors Felipe Massa and Sebastian Vettel met with FIA president Jean Todt in Korea on Saturday night.

The drivers believe that with big regulation changes coming for 2013, plus the arrival of even more new tracks in future years, that the time has come for them to be more involved in the way the sport pans out.

Barrichello said in Korea that even if drivers were not involved in the actual decision-making process for new rules, they felt it would be a good idea if they were sounded out for ideas.

"We just want an interactive way of talking to the FIA," said Barrichello, who ran through the drivers' ideas with Todt. "I think the drivers should be involved in so many areas - like on development of the cars, or rule changes.

"I think the drivers should have a word - or at least be listened to. If we get a vote or not is a different matter, but I think from the drivers' perspective, sometimes we say it is very clear to all 24 of us that some things will not work, so why are we not asked? We don't want any fight, we just want to get a more bit interaction."

The drivers' feelings on getting more of a voice have been heightened by the fact that the pit lane entry and exit have proved so unpopular in Korea - and it would have made sense if a driver had been asked well before the event for feelings on the design and potential troubleareas.

Discussions with FIA race director Charlie Whiting have been positive, and drivers want to agree some sort of framework so they can get a say in future track designs.

"The layout for this track was already done, and changes will now be made next year on the input of the driver," said Barrichello. "We want to get to a situation where we do that beforehand, so for the next new circuits we wish to have some input."