NEWS

Strike Threats By Formula One Drivers

[16 July 2005]

Formula One driver David Coulthard said a strike by drivers could become reality should safety in the sport not be improved, the Daily Record newspaper reported on Saturday.

The Scotsman and his peers are concerned that medical back-up in testing is far below the standards offered at race weekends and they want urgent talks with world governing body the FIA. But president Max Mosley cancelled a meeting at Silverstone last weekend in protest at comments made by Coulthard about recent rule changes. He has now offered to meet the drivers on August 1 in Cannes but only on the condition that at least half attend.

Coulthard is unhappy at that and urged Mosley to think seriously about whether it would be appropriate to cancel such a meeting. He wrote in his Daily Record column: "Strike action could hit the second half of our season. That's how strongly I and my fellow drivers feel over the safety concerns that have dogged us since last month's United States Grand Prix.

"I hope the meeting does goes ahead. We want to ensure safety is the priority. It is entirely possible we could strike if we are forced to do something we don't feel is safe. Hopefully that won't happen but if need be we will stick together and walk out. What happened at Indy has given everyone a shake."

Safety has become a hot topic in Formula One since fears over the safety of Michelin tyres resulted in seven teams pulling out of the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis last month.