Highlights

Alonso replaces Schumacher on F1 drivers' body

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-09-30 09:28

Renault's world champion Fernando Alonso has been elected as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) in place of retiring Ferrari rival Michael Schumacher.

Renault's Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain looks over his shoulder during the first practice session at the Shanghai International Circuit , venue of China's F1 Grand Prix, September 29, 2006. Rival Ferrari's Michael Schumacher of Germany is only two points behind Alonso in the drivers' championship. [Reuters]

The Spaniard's manager confirmed that Alonso had been voted in at a meeting of Formula One drivers at the Chinese Grand Prix circuit on Friday.

The Autosport Web site also reported that Australian Mark Webber and Schumacher's younger brother Ralf would be the other directors for the year ahead in place of Briton David Coulthard and Italian Jarno Trulli.

It said Toyota driver Ralf will be the new chairman.

"I think it is a great line-up," said Coulthard. "Ralf has always been very proactive, certainly as a member, and likewise has Mark.

"Fernando has grown in confidence over the last couple of years, and it is important to have the current world champion on there," added the Red Bull driver.

The GPDA represents drivers in talks with the governing International Automobile Federation, with safety issues the primary concern.