Apr.29 (GMM) The current safety car rules are "really unfair", BMW-Sauber test driver Christian Klien insists.
The Austrian is among many voices in the formula one paddock to slam the regulation, that was brought in last year, whereby the pitlane is closed initially upon deployment of the safety car."If you are out of petrol, then you have to go to the pits," Klien told the Credit Suisse emagazine.BMW's Nick Heidfeld at Barcelona was the latest victim of the rule, when he had to pit for fuel when Heikki Kovalainen crashed and copped a ten second stop-and-go penalty that ruined his race."It was the choice between running out of fuel on the track or getting a stop and go penalty," the German said.The rule was introduced in 2007 so that drivers do not unsafely speed around the circuit to rush a pitstop at the beginning of a SC period.There have been recent discussions about changing the rule as soon as possible, including by simply penalising drivers if they drive too fast under safety car periods.The issue is on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting of the Sporting Working Group, but Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali doubts that it is "realistic" to expect a rule change before the end of the season."We need to stay cool and think what is the best option for everyone before changing something," he told reporters after the Spanish grand prix.
