Following David Coulthard’s and Alex Wurz’s campaign to increase the safety surrounding the drivers head and cockpit, it now appears as though the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) have come to an agreement and the changes may be pushed through in time for the 2008 season. Coulthard and Wurz had a coming together at the 2007 opening race in Australia, resulting in Coulthard’s Red Bull being launched over the front of Wurz’s Williams. The on-board footage from the Williams shows just how very close the Red Bull wheel came to Wurz’s head. Had contact been made in doesn’t bare thinking about what could have happened.
Initial prospects for improving the safety around the drivers head were around the two year mark, as stated by Williams Co-owner Patrick Head. But partly due to the campaign by both experienced drivers and with the support of the GPDA, it now seems as though there will be a solution in time for next year.
Although there are no solid specifications yet, the TWG have agreed to the fact that changes have to be made, and hopefully these will be cemented by the end of the year.
When I spoke to Patrick Head after the event, he suggested it was a couple of years away before they might look at doing something. But maybe now it could be possible to have an improved cockpit protection for next season already, so this is something to be discussed and agreed and we, as the GPDA, can only encourage them to do that and see what the result is. David Coulthard.
Both the guys involved in that nasty accident in Australia, Alex and David, were the two guys pushing it very hard. David obviously felt something had to be done after sliding across the car, and Alex felt the same after having an F1 car pass his visor. GPDA Director, Mark Webber.
