[Bounce]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/7302167.stm

No surprise. He thinks he's invincible foolish boy. Another arrogant notch for LH.

[layevymed]

What were you expecting from him?
He obviously doesn't care to much about anything but himself. And some people were calling MS arrogant, the same people who are now strongly attached to Lewy's backside!

[somawaima]

Yeah, yeah bash away....shame you fail to mention that Kimi isn't interested in it either. Too busy getting tats and being drunk?

[erepsysoulpfbs]

I know Räikkönen isn't a member, but how many others are missing?

[Hsmrcahr]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/7302167.stm

No surprise. He thinks he's invincible foolish boy. Another arrogant notch for LH.

Good for Lewis. The GPDA has too much influence already, IMHO. Always complaining about bumps and high kerbs.

[intifatry]

Good for Lewis. The GPDA has too much influence already, IMHO. Always complaining about bumps and high kerbs.

The way I see Hamiltons reluctance to participate, and this is JMHO, is that he realises to be able make a meaningful contribution he would need to put a lot of time and effort into it. If he does not have the spare time due to existing commitments, there is little point in doing what will end up being a half hearted effort.

If a jobs worth doing and all that.

It was interesting reading that Kimi is in the same position....

[sStevenRitziI]

LH could have come up with a better excuse. One that wouldn't show him up as an arrogant *******. But since he is one, and knows no better, there it is.

[asSexate]

Yes, we're all aware of just how much influence the GPDA has. The problems at Indy had the GPDA pushing for a chicane to limit speeds, yet Mosely decided to set a speed limit instead. Of course having tires blow out at 180 mph was not a saftey issue, but rather a "technical" issue!

Then DC took heat over the matter for making it public, and stating that the drivers in the association acted in the best interest of safety and the spectacle of motorsport. Those that raced didn't sign the statement. I guess they thought elimination of the competition by having tires fail at high speeds was an acceptable safety factor.


Without the proper influence, something like the GPDA does little to affect safety.

[Morageort]

Jackie Stewart is right - "It is completely wrong not to be involved." I think all the drivers should be members of the GPDA. The organisation is recognised by the FIA and as such has an input into F1 issues, and if the drivers want an effective voice in their sport then the GPDA is the way to have that voice.

It's disappointing that Hamilton has not joined the GPDA, and even more disappointing that the current WDC is not a member

[GZFL2tDA]

Jackie Stewart is right - "It is completely wrong not to be involved." I think all the drivers should be members of the GPDA. The organisation is recognised by the FIA and as such has an input into F1 issues, and if the drivers want an effective voice in their sport then the GPDA is the way to have that voice.

It's disappointing that Hamilton has not joined the GPDA, and even more disappointing that the current WDC is not a member

I would agree with this statement but must point out that it is a voluntary membership and would detract from preperations for the GP.

Lewis is a very new driver in F1 and had a phernominal year last year. In fact, the most intense debut of any driver in my opinion and it is not surprising that he had more than enough going on around him without further distractions.

However, this is his second year and I would like to see him join the association either during this season or after it. He will have enough experience to be able to make a reasoned and rational input without it being unqualified.

I am very surprised that someone with Kimi's experience hasn't signed up. I can see no excuse whatsoever for the reigning WDC not to be a member. Perhaps if the Champion with the experience he commands places his commitment to the WDC, the younger drivers like Lewis would take it more seriously.

I think that anyone that has levelled any criticism at Lewis over this matter should be doubly vocal in their condemnation of Kimi unless it's just for a bit of driver bashing and being a hypocrite rests easily on your shoulders

[Hsmrcahr]

Jackie Stewart is right - "It is completely wrong not to be involved." I think all the drivers should be members of the GPDA. The organisation is recognised by the FIA and as such has an input into F1 issues, and if the drivers want an effective voice in their sport then the GPDA is the way to have that voice.

It's disappointing that Hamilton has not joined the GPDA, and even more disappointing that the current WDC is not a member

As much as I respect your opinion its like saying everyone should join a union or vote in a general election.

IMHO F1 is very safe, perhaps too safe, though nothing in motorsport is ever 100% safe.

Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart have opposing views and personally I would err with Moss - racing should have an element of risk. That's why the likes of Schumi, Senna, Gilles, Colin McCrae, Dale Earnhardt Sr are worshipped because they were fearless and took risks. Without these characers in motorsport, racing would be nothing.

[Acciblyfluila]

two side of the story Where was coultard letting a goddamn mound exist on the exit of a corner. Glock recd a big benefit for being a member. The union is a good idea if they do something. Yes high curbs are bad because they launch cars. Jackie want to lower the speeds down to formula ford speeds. I agree you have to watch the top end but they are in the ballpark. Yes someone will hit at the wrong angle one of these days but that is the risk. The union should be elective and the union should be concerned about what will launch the cars or create a bad angle. I for one don't really like street circuits or ovals for open wheel cars.

[Uplillacype]

What do these guy's think? They are warriors or something.
I think they should make all these carelees boys watch "Red Asphault"
before qualifying, and racing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQfDB0d6cTI

[untostaronaf]

Unions should be formed to accomplish a task, and when that task is accomplished the union should be disbanded until such time as it is useful to form the union again.

Yes there's risk, but look the cars are safe, safer even than last season where Kubica hit the wall at 160mph+ at a severe angle, and then came back to race that very season.

Will tragedy strike again? Eventually, yes. If it is agreed however, tragedy or no tragedy, that saftey standards have fallen, then the GPDA should consider forming up again.

[8jIDXQ80]

I think that anyone that has levelled any criticism at Lewis over this matter should be doubly vocal in their condemnation of Kimi unless it's just for a bit of driver bashing and being a hypocrite rests easily on your shoulders

Quite right. I notice utter silence from certain parties.

As for my view, I don't think anyone should be forced into joining a union, and this applies in this case. Blaming your hectic lifestyle is an incredibly lame excuse, however.

[antipenq]

why join if the man in charge there is Coulthard? he can't talk much about "safe driving" or other safety stuff

[Uplillacype]

why join if the man in charge there is Coulthard? he can't talk much about "safe driving" or other safety stuff

Overthrow him

[antipenq]

Let's ask Massa to do that certainly knows how to deal with Coulthard

[Wgnhqhlg]

two side of the story Where was coultard letting a goddamn mound exist on the exit of a corner. Glock recd a big benefit for being a member. The union is a good idea if they do something. Yes high curbs are bad because they launch cars. Jackie want to lower the speeds down to formula ford speeds. I agree you have to watch the top end but they are in the ballpark. Yes someone will hit at the wrong angle one of these days but that is the risk. The union should be elective and the union should be concerned about what will launch the cars or create a bad angle. I for one don't really like street circuits or ovals for open wheel cars.

You cannot blame the GPDA for this one. I think the organisers and the Australians responsible for track safety issues should have looked into this one.

That so called bump is really a side road which leads up to the back of the Kilda Cricket ground called Junction Oval. When I cycle at Albert Park, we always went up this side road, so I know it very well.

Unfortunately the road is slightly higher than the grass verge of the GP circuit, so when Glock ran off onto the grass, he hit this side road and took off.

More importantly, issues which the GPDA should look at in future is the proposed start of the Oz GP next year at 5 pm because the cars will head directly into the setting sun along pit straight as well as the next short straight up to the Swimming complex.

AS far as Lewis Hamilton not joining the GPDA, he should have answered "No Comment" rather than what he did. Reporters are always trying to make news with a sensationalised headline and he fell for the trap. The best answer always the Rudd approach:"I'll look into it". That's why the call Kevin Rudd the mirror man.

[Hsmrcahr]

You cannot blame the GPDA for this one. I think the organisers and the Australians responsible for track safety issues should have looked into this one.

That so called bump is really a side road which leads up to the back of the Kilda Cricket ground called Junction Oval. When I cycle at Albert Park, we always went up this side road, so I know it very well.

Unfortunately the road is slightly higher than the grass verge of the GP circuit, so when Glock ran off onto the grass, he hit this side road and took off.

Similar accident to Kubica's in Canada last year. Unfortunately that's a problem with temporary race tracks because side roads/access roads aren't placed at the ideal areas. Going off at speed, the transition from grass to an access road will launch a car.

That's a reason why we have asphalt run off now.

Greg Moore died from a similar accident at California Speedway - spun off onto grass, car launched when it went onto an access road and unfortunately the car flew straight into concrete barrier.

Now all the big ovals in America have asphalt infield off turn 2 so when cars spin coming off the turn they will decelerate and not slide across grass and hit a wall.