Surtees Death, cause for Renault suspension?

[AlonsoFan]

A couple weeks before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Henry Surtees, a F2 driver, was killed by a tire that hit his head while racing in his car. The video can be seen by clicking here. Massa was later hit by a part of Barrichello's Brawn car, and then Alonso had his incident with the tire going off. Do you think the Renault suspension was simply a knee jerk reaction by the FIA after Surtees death? And do you think F1 should consider redesigning helmets for more protection?

[[Web|Storm]]

In my opinion, if Surtees had not been tragically killed, Renault would be competing in the European grand prix, I think the FIA felt they had to do something to show they were concerned for drivers safety.

However, I don't believe a race-ban was the best sanction, a fine or a grid penatly would surely have been better?

[AlonsoFan]

I think the right penalty would've been to suspend Alonso's pit crew for a race, because Alonso didn't do anything wrong. In fact, he was the one who contacted the team via radio saying he thought he had a puncture. The problem is that the pit crew handled the situation bad by not even telling Alonso, and I believe they should be punished, and not the whole team.

[[Web|Storm]]

I agree, Alonso did nothing wrong. Its a dissapointment also for the second car and its pit crew (I would say Piquet but he's waved bye bye to Flavio ;D ) they did nothing wrong yet they cant race

[f1-fan]

I think they'll win the appeal anyway, Bernie will have a little word, I cant see him wanting Alonso's biggest fans to not bother turning up at the race...

[AlonsoFan]

Yes, a considerable amount of fans won't go if Alonso isn't racing. Combine that with an already boring circuit, and the attendance and money making part of the race doesn't look too great. A fine and a five to ten spot grid penalty like Web said might be better.

[f1-fan]

Bernie'll sort it, he's out to make as much money as possible ;D

[[Web|Storm]]

I agree with whats been said. I can't see Renault not being on the grid come Valencia.

[AlonsoFan]

We'll just have to wait until the appeal and see what happens. Obviously Ecclestone has money on his mind and we'll see if he makes the right choice that will make fans happier, and augment more money for the sport with more spectators.

I do have my doubts though, I recently read in a newspaper here in my home in the Caribbean that the Valencia tickets have doubled due to Schumacher's return. They might not need Alonso and Renault to have a sell out crows, but we'll see.