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| June 21, 2008 | Saturday | Jamadi-us-Sani 16, 1429 |
Formula One drivers play down strike talk
MAGNY-COURS (France), June 20: Formula One’s millionaire drivers dismissed a suggestion by double world champion Fernando Alonso on Thursday that they could go on strike over the cost of their racing licences.
The Spaniard, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), said at the French Grand Prix that members were angry about sharply increased charges levied by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).
“It is something we need to look at and I don’t know what will be the solution and what will be our effort but if there is a strike in Silverstone then maybe it is one possibility,” the Renault driver told reporters.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a home race for a majority of the 10 teams, is on July 6 with tests at the circuit next week.
Ferrari’s world champion Kimi Raikkonen, reckoned to be the highest paid driver whose 230,000 euro ($358,200) licence fee is also the biggest, said it was “never going to happen that all the drivers will strike”.
Honda’s Jenson Button denied any knowledge of strike talk.
“I’m sure they (the drivers) could but I don’t think their sponsors or contracts would allow them,” added the Briton.
Red Bull drivers Mark Webber, one of the three GPDA directors and David Coulthard both rejected such action. “You can’t threaten these guys, mate. You just don’t do it,” Webber said when asked how the drivers could pressure the FIA.—Reuters
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