The Grand Prix Drivers' Association has today issued an official statement with regards safety conditions at the Autodromo Nazionale do Monza:

The Grand Prix Drivers Association Ltd., which represents 27 of the current drivers and test drivers, would like to clarify the association's position on the Monza race track.

For several years we have communicated through the FIA our concerns with the run-off areas given the high speed nature of the circuit and in particular the second chicane.

We understand and accept that the circuit meets the current FIA standards; and in the case of the second chicane the calculated impact speed would be 200 km/h resulting in a 40G decelaration.

We believe that, as it is proven that tarmac run-off areas are safer than gravel, this should be adopted by all current Grand Prix circuits as a minimum, and the kerbs should also be brought in line with the more modern track.

In discussions with FIA representatives over the last few seasons the reason given for not making the changes is one of finance which, given that more than half of the circuit was recently re-surfaced, demonstrates that funds were available.

We invited a circuit representative to join our association's meeting on Friday evening which he accepted only to cancel on the day.

We are extremely disappointed not to have had the chance to work together with the circuit to find an acceptable solution; so have once again included in our report to the FIA that the circuit be updated where possible to continue our joint efforts to improve safety.

The statement is signed by the GPDA's three directors, David Coulthard, Michael Schumacher and Jarno Trulli.