GPDA disappointed with Monza officials

As revealed by autosport.com on Friday, Formula One drivers are unhappy that their calls to improve safety at the fastest track of the calendar have been ignored until now and they planned to complain publicly today.

The Monza circuit director was scheduled to meet the drivers last weekend, but he decided to cancel the meeting.

On Monday, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association issued a statement saying they were "extremely disappointed" not to have been able to work with the circuit organisers in order to improve the safety standars.

"For several years we have communicated through the FIA our concerns with the run-off areas given the high speed nature of the circuit and in particular the second chicane," the GPDA said in a statement.

"We understand and accept that the circuit meets the current FIA standards; and in the case of the second chicane the calculated impact speed would be 200km/h resulting in a 40G deceleration.

"We believe that, as it is proven that tarmac run-off areas are safer than gravel, this should be adopted by all current Grand Prix circuits as a minimum, and the kerbs should also be brought in line with the more modern track.

"In discussions with FIA representatives over the last few seasons the reason given for not making the changes is one of finance which, given that more than half of the circuit was recently re-surfaced, demonstrates that funds were available.

"We invited a circuit representative to join our association's meeting on Friday evening which he accepted only to cancel on the day.

"We are extremely disappointed not to have had the chance to work together with the circuit to find an acceptable solution; so have once again included in our report to the FIA that the circuit be updated where possible to continue our joint efforts to improve safety."