Vettel: The discipline must keep its pillars

At a time when most of the world's circuits are undergoing modifications in order to increase safety, by offering widened and asphalted "runs-off", Sebastian Vettel recalled on the sidelines of the FIA ​​conference in Turin, Italy, that he was satisfied with the work accomplished in the streets of Baku to define the route of the last European Grand Prix, despite certain criticisms regarding safety.

“I have just returned from Baku, where the circuit received a lot of criticism for being dangerous, but I disagree, admits Vettel. I think the FIA ​​and the organizers have done a great job in a place that is not made for racing, and it's fantastic.

It's a spectacular venue, there's very little room for error and that's what makes it so exciting. That's what made the sport exciting in the past and that's what makes it exciting today. Likewise, the fact that cars have become much safer is obviously a lot of pleasure for us drivers.

What fascinated me as a child was speed. I think racing should keep its basic pillars and speed is one of them. The cornering speeds we can achieve are incredible and that has remained one of the main pillars. To a certain extent, so is the danger, because that’s also what makes the race exciting.

We can't turn a blind eye if bad things happen. I think we have to react. I think we've done it in the last few years and I think we're still doing it today. This is the right approach. »

In all categories of motorsport, organizers and the various federations are increasing initiatives to strengthen safety in motorsport. As AUTOhebdo details it in its n°2068, the LM P1 of the World ChampionshipEndurance will undergo several modifications in this direction for the years to come, in particular with regard to the driver's position and the lateral reinforcements in the passenger compartment.

En car, the open cockpit centralizes research to offer reinforced protection for the pilot's head, after the tragic accidents of Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson.