Angry drivers demand changes at Monza

After discussions in the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) meeting at Monza on Friday night, the drivers have finally lost their patience in trying to convince the circuit owners that revisions to the track are needed.

With the Monza circuit director deciding to cancel his plans to meet the drivers to discuss their concerns about safety, autosport.com has learned that the GPDA will issue a statement on Monday calling for changes to be made to the track.

The drivers are unhappy with the proximity of the barriers at the second chicane and the Ascari chicane, plus the widespread use of gravel traps instead of tarmac run-off areas.

Speaking to autosport.com after the meeting, Coulthard said: "The drivers are unanimous. This track is no longer up to the safety standards required in Formula One - even though it falls in line with the FIA requirements.

"We feel it is unacceptable. The barriers are too close to the track, the gravel traps are more dangerous than tarmac and we are frustrated that nothing is being done. It did not help that the circuit director decided to cancel his plans to meet us."

Williams driver Mark Webber backed up the view that action is needed now - and that the decision to go public with their claims next week was simply the result of frustration at no promise of changes.

"I am out of patience and all the other boys are with me," Webber told autosport.com. "We love Monza but there must be changes.

"Formula One is a dangerous game but at this place I believe we are on borrowed time. It is time to put our point of view forward in a little bit more of a direct way."