10 Oct 2014

Alonso calls for closed F1 cockpits

11:43 am on 10 October 2014

The two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has added his voice to calls for Formula One to consider the introduction of closed cockpits.

In the wake of Jules Bianchi's life-threatening accident at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, Alonso has welcomed proposals to look at the plan.

Closed cockpits have been considered in the past, but were rejected because the teams believed they'd make their cars look too ugly.

Bianchi remains in a 'critical but stable' condition after his his Marussia collided with a recovery vehicle.

French formula one driver Jules Bianchi.

French formula one driver Jules Bianchi. Photo: Photosport

Britain's Lewis Hamilton says it's disappointing this weekend's inaugural Russian grand prix in Sochi comes so soon after Bianchi's crash.

"It's not the ideal time to have a race but it is the way it is... and things alway move on. I'm pretty sure Jules, I don't know him that well but as a I racer I'm sure he'd be saying keep going."

Meanwhile the Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who races for Force India, says the circumstances of Bianchi's crash with a recovery vehicle were "totally unacceptable" and must not be repeated.

Perez says the accident in heavy rain needs to be explained and studied in detail, but he stressed that changes must be made no matter what.

He says recovery vehicles must only be used on the circuit during a race after a safety car has been deployed.