Drivers urged not to discuss crash

Formula 1 drivers have been urged not to discuss the Jules Bianchi accident in public by Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) chairman Alex Wurz.

Marussia driver Bianchi remains in a critical but stable condition in the Mie University Hospital after he collided with a recovery vehicle that was busy removing Adrian Sutil’s stricken Sauber at Turn 7 at Suzuka.

Sutil gave an eyewitness account of events in the aftermath of the race, saying Bianchi hit the tractor side-on and amateur footage has since emerged about the incident.

Jenson Button was one of the few other drivers who commented on the issue, saying “the FIA did the best job possible”, but unfortunately “big accidents happen”.

New GPDA chairman Wurz, though, warned drivers not to comment on the incident.

“We would rather not debate this accident until we have all information collected,” he is quoted as saying by Autosport.

“Most certainly, I recommend to all the drivers to refrain from a public discussion.

“Any such discussions and the pursuit of solutions shall be done in a closed circle to ensure respect and privacy for Jules’s family, but equally to ensure this analytical process can be done in its best way.

“We need to give the experts time to analyse everything and, of course, we offer our full support to whichever authorities may be involved in this process.

“But foremost, we want to support the family and friends of Jules.

“We do this in the best way, not by inflaming knee-jerk conclusions.

“Our thoughts are with Jules and his family.”

Wurz also cautioned against jumping to conclusions until the FIA and those involved get to the bottom of what happened.

“Obviously, such a terrible accident throws up a lot of questions and opinions,” he added.

“By nature, we all like to have answers, conclusions and solutions as soon as possible.

“All of us drivers understand and also feel the need to investigate and discuss this matter.

“But we shall not jump to conclusions without having all evidence and information, and also having the chance to hear other parties’ point of view.”