21/05/2015
NEWS STORY
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association has launched a survey aimed at garnering fans thoughts on the sport.
The online survey comprises fifty questions on all aspects of F1, and is aimed at all types of fan, from armchair enthusiasts to committed race-goers.
"As F1 drivers we share a passion and deep love for our sport with our fans," said GPDA Chairman Alex Wurz. "We want to give every F1 fan the opportunity to share that passion and for us to understand what they really think about us and our sport.
We've heard the calls for fans to be consulted and this is our initiative to make that a reality," he added.
The GPDA, which was formed in 1961, is widely seen as the F1 drivers 'union', though it has had little significance in recent years, certainly in terms of speaking up for the men actually laying their lives on the line.
Be it the regulations, track or car design, the drivers’ union is rarely consulted for its members opinions.
Whilst anything that allows fans to voice their feelings must be recognised as a good thing, one cannot help but feel that as they say about voting, if it was to have any real significance it would be made illegal.
Indeed, speaking at today's FIA press conference, Christian Horner appeared to doubt the survey.
"I'm not sure that it's the drivers' specialist area," he said. "The GPDA was essential set up as a safety group, to look at circuit safety, drivers' safety, drivers' protection.
"It's great that they feel that they want to engage with the fans," he added. "I'm sure they'll be willing to put a lot more time in and get out there and meet them."
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