De la Rosa elected president of the GPDA

De la Rosa was elected today as president of the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association), replacing its former president Ralf Schumacher, who left Formula 1 last year.

The test driver at McLaren was the preferred candidate of both vote organizers, Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso, and was unanimously voted during the meeting at the Albert Park circuit in Australia.

De la Rosa stated that he was happy most people supported him in getting this role.

« I have been a member of the GPDA since I started racing in Formula 1. It’s really nice to see that the guys wanted me as president and that they have confidence in me.

The new GPDA president, however, specified that he does not intend to change the current philosophy of the organization and that he is working harmoniously with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) on safety issues.

« We will continue what the GPDA has undertaken in recent years, and we will work closely with the FIA on safety issues. No radical changes will be made. »

De la Rosa announced that he will nonetheless redouble his efforts to try to recruit Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Räikkönen for the organization.

« It is one of our main objectives. Recruiting all pilots, because we work for safety, and safety concerns everyone, » he stated.

We are discussing with Kimi and Lewis. I will continue my interviews and my efforts to try to bring them on board.