Jenson Button says fan input is important to Formula 1

AUTOSPORT, F1 Racing and Motorsport News launched a fan survey on Wednesday ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, with the Grand Prix Drivers' Association following suit on Thursday.

Both surveys allow fans the opportunity to express their views on the sport as it stands, and the path they feel it should follow.

McLaren driver and GPDA director Button said: "It's massively important because we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fans.

"This is a sport that needs fans, we have millions of fans around the world, and it is always interesting to have their opinion, to see where they think the sport is, where they think the sport can go.

"Obviously, we all have our own ideas, which is great.

"Personally, I think the sport is in a good place right now, but there is always room for improvement, especially a sport like Formula 1 that is always changing

"So it is really important, and it will be interesting to see where it all goes."

It is unknown what effect the results of the surveys will have on F1's future, but Button would at least like to be believe some good will emerge, adding: "Our aim is to put the ideas in place and see how it goes.

"It's very interesting to see in which direction the supporters and fans feel the sport should go in.

"It doesn't mean it's going to change anything, but it's just interesting for us as drivers collectively in Formula 1 to get a better understanding.

"This is something that hasn't been done for a while, but it's necessary to do, and hopefully we'll get some positive results."

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone already believes he knows what the fans want to see as he said: "Better racing and more noise. Simple!"

GPDA chairman Alex Wurz highlighted his hopes as to what might be achieved.

"We want to communicate as drivers, we want to talk to our fans and we want to know what they think," Wurz said.

"Then I hope we can be the interface between the drivers and the rule makers and be in an active conversation with them."