Jean Todt: “Motor racing is, and will remain, a dangerous sport”
Invited this morning by the French radio station Europe 1, Jean Todt, the president of the FIA, discussed the dangers of motorsport and Formula 1 in particular, following the recent accidents involving Jules Bianchi and Fernando Alonso.
The president of the International Automobile Federation, Jean Todt, gravely reflected on the dangers of Formula 1, still shocked after Jules Bianchi’s accident last October and the mystery surrounding Fernando Alonso’s off-track incident last month in Barcelona.
For the French leader, even though Formula 1 is increasingly safe, zero risk obviously does not exist: « Auto racing remains and will remain a dangerous sport. It is true that it is less dangerous than a few decades ago, and sensational progress has been made. About forty years ago, not a Formula 1 season went by without 3 or 4 deaths and injuries. Today, we are surprised when there is a serious accident, but we know that a serious accident can happen, and unfortunately, we saw it last October when Jules Bianchi had his accident on the Suzuka circuit. »
To avoid head impacts, the main cause of the severity of accidents in single-seaters, the solution of closed cockpits has often been suggested. Jean Todt is not opposed to it but remains cautious about this possibility: « A closed cockpit? We’re considering it, but we need to ensure the possible negative consequences in the event of an accident. »
The Frenchman also briefly commented on the progress made by Michael Schumacher, who had an accident on a ski slope in December 2013 and with whom he remains very close: « Michael Schumacher continues to fight. I see him regularly. The fans must continue to believe. »
