Pierre Gasly welcomed the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) report on the recalled vehicle accident at the Japanese F1 Grand Prix and the safety measures contained therein as a “good step”.
AlphaTauri F1’s Pierre Gasly was the most outspoken critic of the accident in which a rescue vehicle crane raided the rainy Suzuka circuit. Gasly passed a recovery vehicle as he tried to reach the safety car line on the second lap after his pit stop.
After the race, Pierre Gasly said the use of the crane was disrespectful to the memory of his friend Jules Bianchi, who was fatally wounded after colliding with a recovered vehicle at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Like other drivers, Pierre Gasly then discussed what happened with FIA President Mohamed bin Sulayem.
The FIA report contains a number of recommendations to draw particular attention to the future use of recovery vehicles and to ensure that teams and drivers are informed of their use by race control.
The report also confirms that there will no longer be a rotation of Formula 1 race directors, with Niels Witich taking over until the final race.
He also detailed Pierre Gasly’s speed violation, noting that he “ignored the flags and drove recklessly, thus ignoring basic safety rules”. But Pierre Gasly welcomed attention to the big picture and positive change.
“I was very interested in what they would prepare for the future,” Gasly said of the FIA report.
“I had a discussion with Mohamed after the Suzuka race about what happened there.
“And most importantly, make sure everyone is safe, whether it’s F1 or a lower category.”
“And that’s what they are working on. I think what they have introduced is clearly a good step forward.”
“I know we will talk about it at the drivers briefing and anything more we can do is welcome.”
“But I am happy that they worked on this problem so quickly and that they have already found a solution in the race soon after.”
During the red flag delay after the first start, Pierre Gasly went to race director Eduardo Freitas and asked him about the crane.
Since then Pierre Gasly has admitted that he has spoken to Edoardo Freitas again, but has played down any personal disagreements.
“His side of the story, my side of the story – like I said, it doesn’t matter who is right or wrong.”
“In the end, we are putting our lives at risk and we want to be as safe as possible.”
“There is always a risk in driving these cars at these speeds under these conditions, but as long as you can minimize the risks …”
“The truck is homologated without a crane or tractor on the truck. It is safe in these conditions.”
“The moment you put something out, it’s a whole other story. I think they understood that and it was clear to both sides.”
“We are happy with the solution they have put in place.”
Asked if measures like race control to inform F1 teams about the recalled vehicles seemed obvious now, Gasly said, “Yes, but in life you face an accident or a mistake and then find a solution.” It often seems obvious. , but no one in the paddock thought about it “.
Furthermore, Pierre Gasly does not intend to challenge his allegations of speeding in the report.
“I don’t want to create controversy on that side. As I said, I was following my delta.”
“And I got a penalty for speeding on the straight after the crash. I don’t want to discuss that. And that wasn’t even the point in this report.”
Category: F1 / Pierre Guthrie / F1 Japanese GP / FIA / Alfa Tauri
