Villeneuve for banning of wing mirrors
Published : Sep 06, 2003 00:00 IST
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve says Formula One would be far safer if wing mirrors are banned. The Canadian also told Autosport magazine in an interview that he would like to see a return to slick tyres and the abolition of refuelling.
"I'm serious," said the BAR driver. "If you don't have mirrors, you cannot block. If you're following someone and he doesn't have mirrors, you know he hasn't seen you so you know he will turn into the corner.
"In a race situation, it would be 10 times safer without mirrors. You just mind your own business, like the motorbike guys."
Villeneuve said that while mirrors were safer on a road car, drivers used them in Formula One to help them block their rivals.
Asked whether he had raised the idea, the 1997 champion replied: "Yeah - and everybody just laughs of course. But if you think about it, it makes sense."
The magazine made clear that Villeneuve's comments were made on the eve of the last German Grand Prix, which was marked by a first lap collision between Williams' Ralf Schumacher, Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello and McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen.