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Heidfeld calls for Safety Car rules to change

Heidfeld calls for Safety Car rules to change

09 May 2008

Nick Heidfeld believes the safety car rules should be changed, as, according to the current rules, drivers are not allowed to enter the pitlane for fuel while the safety car is out. Heidfeld was forced to refuel under the safety car two weeks ago and was punished with a drive-through penalty in the Spanish Grand Prix for doing so.

During the Spanish Grand Prix Heidfeld ran out of fuel and when he was on his last lap before entering the pitlane the safety car came out for Kovalainen. For the German bad luck, but he believes a race result should not depend on whether or not you are lucky with your pitstop strategy.

For Heidfeld it was a frustrating moment during his race. Commenting to F1.com he said: "Well, it took some time, but I am over it now. It was bad luck, but that type of bad luck should not exist in Formula One. Barcelona has demonstrated that the safety car rule has room for improvements - and we are working to change it.

"Now that I was the unlucky one everybody comes to me for an answer. I don't like the idea that people think because I was affected I started to criticize. Fact is that all the drivers and the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) have been complaining for months prior to the Barcelona incident to have these rules changed. Now we have to find something that works better. Me personally, I would like to go back to the old rules, but that doesn't seem to be feasible due to safety concerns. Now we have to wait and see."


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