Getting quite dangerous

Marc Gene
By Andrew Hooper
April 15 2004

For BMW WilliamsF1 Test driver Marc Gene the speed of the current F1 cars is becoming to fast, to the point that their corner speeds are becoming dangerous. He gave the example of team-mate Ralf Schumacher's accident while testing at Monza last year.


	Getting quite dangerous

	With the current 2004 F1 cars breaking circuit records, despite the best attempts of the FIA, discussions have turned towards the issue of are F1 cars becoming too fast. One person who feels that they are is BMW WilliamsF1 test driver Marc Gene. He supports the view put forward by Renaults Jarno Trulli that the current F1 car is cornering at a "dangerous" rate. In an interview for the British Autosport magazine, in respect of the speed of 2004 F1 cars, Gene said: "Especially in high speed corners. It's getting quite dangerous." Gene added: "I think the speed is coming more from the tyres than the downforce. It's also becoming more physical to handle the 900bhp racers." The accidents of team-mate Ralf Schumacher in testing at Monza last year, and Ralph Firman at Hungary are examples of how dangerous things have become. Gene said: "I've been thinking about this for over a year. If we don't do something, someone will be hurt."

Click image for HP F1 Site