01/10/2006
NEWS STORY
Following the announcement of three new directors for the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), newly-elected chairman Ralf Schumacher has promised that the drivers' 'union' will focus on safety. However, the German revealed that things within the GPDA should be a little easier once his brother - seven-time World Champion, Michael - retires, for the Ferrari star was often the subject of driver discussions.
"Michael was dominant in Formula One for the last 10 years and so, as you'd expect, in most of the matters involved he was part of the discussions," the Toyota told reporters at Shanghai.
"If particular persons were involved they were a little more aggressive towards him," he added, refusing to name names. "I just hope that will calm down a bit, because there was always this idea that Michael and Ferrari had a very special treatment. This is gone now and I hope that will help it to focus on the real issues."
Referring to how he sees the GPDA's role developing, Schumacher said: "The GPDA is strong and can do something for the safety, but I make my point very clear, only for the safety. We are not here to change any rules.
"When they are talking about qualifying and rule changes, we are more than happy to be involved because we're the guys who do it and perhaps we can bring some benefit. But our main focus is safety."
Having been silent for so long, when, as Ralf makes clear, it is the drivers who risk their lives driving the cars, the GPDA has become a lot more vociferous in the last year or so, with Mark Webber leading the criticism of certain track.
This weekend's election saw Fernando Alonso elected as a director of the GPDA, a surprise considering the Spaniard's apparent apathy towards the body in recent times, having rarely attended meetings.
"Fernando is a very reasonable and calm guy and he's the current world champion," said Webber, "which always adds more weight to the opinions we carry over to the FIA on safety issues.
"He has not always been so much in favour of the GPDA and this gives him a chance to learn more about the work of the GPDA."