F1 drivers keen for head protection - Wurz

Formula One drivers are keen for head protection to be introduced from 2017 according to Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GDPA) chairman Alexander Wurz.

Published : Jan 26, 2016 00:37 IST , Monaco

Time to change the chasis for more head protection?
Time to change the chasis for more head protection?
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Time to change the chasis for more head protection?

Formula One drivers are keen for head protection to be introduced from 2017 according to Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GDPA) chairman Alexander Wurz.

Following the deaths of Jules Bianchi and IndyCar driver Justin Wilson there have been calls for added protection for drivers of open-wheel racing cars.

Governing body the FIA has been looking into ways of improving safety and Wurz has called on those investigations to move quickly so protection can improve in the 2017 season.

"The research the FIA experts have done is very thorough and the process has brought forward a clear solution," he told BBC Sport. "Now the drivers feel it's time to implement the extra protection at the latest in 2017.

"Obviously structural changes are required to the chassis but, with almost a one-year lead time, I don't see any technical person speaking against such substantial safety improvements, especially given the last big accidents in open-wheel racing involved head injuries.

"So all the drivers, and I, hope that passing the additional head protection will be a formality."

Wurz has also called for an improvement in tyres, suggesting F1 drivers are keen for something that provides them even more grip.

He added: "The drivers want to underline very clearly that they would love Pirelli to produce a tyre which goes faster around corners as well as being safe.

"If we get sticky tyres, we will have happy drivers, and happy drivers means authentic and honest performance, pure message for the product and driving the cars to the maximum."

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