04/07/2013
NEWS STORY
The Formula One drivers 'union' has warned that if there is a repeat of the tyre failures witnessed last week at Silverstone, its members will boycott this weekend's German Grand prix.
Although Pirelli is convinced the issue has been solved, the Italian manufacturer claiming that much of the blame for last week's failures was due to the actions of the teams and drivers, the men whose lives are actually at risk have made it clear that they are not happy.
While there was talk of a possible boycott in the aftermath of last week's Grand Prix, the situation appeared to have calmed today. However, early this evening the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, in a rare move, threatened to boycott Sunday's race.
"The drivers of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association wish to express their deepest concerns about the events that took place at Silverstone," read a statement.
"We trust that the changes made to the tyres will have the desired results and that similar problems will not occur during the German GP weekend.
"We are ready to drive our cars to the limit, as we always do, and as it is expected by our teams, sponsors and fans.
"However, the drivers have decided that, if similar problems should manifest themselves during the German GP, we shall immediately withdraw from the event, as this avoidable problem with the tyres endangers again the lives of drivers, marshals and fans."
Such a move is almost unheard of indeed, ahead of the infamous United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis in 2005, when all the Michelin-shod teams withdrew on safety grounds, a number of drivers were willing to take the risk. One driver, who subsequently retired from F1, but who has since returned and is a possible contender for the Red Bull seat in 2014, was warned on the grid that if he didn't obey orders and started the race he would be fired.