David Coulthard fears it is only a matter of time before there is "a big incident" in F1.
Scot speaks out ahead of ban on driver aids
David Coulthard has warned of the possibility of a "big incident" in Formula One now that driver aids such as traction control are being outlawed.
The 2008 season sees "toys" such as traction control and engine braking banned in an attempt to provide a greater challenge for drivers - with the added hope that mistakes might allow for more overtaking manoeuvres.
But, embarking on his 14th full F1 season, Red Bull driver Coulthard is concerned at how the ban might affect safety at wet races such as last year's Japanese Grand Prix.
The Scot, who turns 37 in March, made full use of his experience to finish fourth in atrocious conditions last October at Fuji, where standing rain caused cars to aquaplane - double world champion Fernando Alonso crashing out as a consequence.
Big issue
Three-times world champion Niki Lauda has claimed that if the drivers are afraid then "they should go back to driving school" but Coulthard, who has arguably become the most vociferous of all F1's drivers on safety matters, has stood his ground.
"A lot of the guys I'm racing now, they were at kindergarten when I was driving without all these toys, so I've no problem with it," he said at the launch in Jerez of the new Red Bull car for this season, the RB4.
"But the big issue I've mentioned is when we have standing water on the track without traction control.
"We've got so used to racing in wetter and wetter conditions due to the toys we've had available to us.
"Yet you take it back a few years ago and we had (Ayrton) Senna running into the back of (Martin) Brundle in Adelaide, and other shunts.
"It's not that they weren't talented, it's that the cars couldn't handle the conditions.
"So the smart thing is to be aware of it beforehand because there was clearly pressure for us all to race in Fuji.
"But if we go there now without TC, you won't have as many cars finish, I can tell you that.
"This is inherently a dangerous sport. There hasn't been a big incident - touch wood - for a long time, but it's just a question of when that happens."
Afraid
Coulthard believes that some drivers are afraid of expressing privately held views in public for fear of being labelled 'soft'.
"There is an element of not wanting to get involved publicly, and not wanting to talk about safety because racing drivers are meant to be brave, pushing the limits and all that sort of thing," he added.
"So it doesn't always sit comfortably with some, but I'd rather give a heads-up based on the majority of people than talk about it afterwards. It's as simple as that.
"I know it's never popular to talk about safety, but frankly it's not just going to benefit me, it will benefit everyone if we're all aware of it.
"I believe I have the right to express that view in the same way they may feel uncomfortable to do so, but I don't have a problem with it.
"In a few years, after a long, healthy, safe grand prix career, they can thank the collective efforts of everyone."
