(Motorsport-Total.com) – The animal rights organization PETA has called on the organizers of the Canadian Grand Prix to strengthen the protection of wildlife at the race track. The background is an incident in the only Free Practice on Friday, in which Alex Albon retired after a collision with a marmot.
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The Williams driver was on the track about seven minutes before the end of the session when the animal ran in front of his car. The impact damaged the right side of the vehicle, prematurely ending Albon’s session.
PETA stated that the incident shows that not only human lives are at stake. “Alex Albon’s decision to avoid this animal makes him a winner in our book,” said PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk to Motorsport.com.
At the same time, the organization appealed to the track officials to take measures to protect the local wildlife. “Showing consideration and compassion should be the standard for all people, and that is exactly what the driver did on the PETA podium.”
Animal rights organization sees need for action
Newkirk also emphasized that animals cannot assess the dangers of race tracks: “Other species do not understand race tracks or fast-moving cars. They are simply trying to go about their lives. PETA hopes that this incident will prompt the organizers to introduce stronger deterrent measures to protect the animals that call this environment their home.”
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Williams team principal James Vowles described Albon’s reaction to the incident after the session. “I mean, his first comment was that because he was so fast, he didn’t see on the screen what had happened. In these sprint sessions, where you only have 60 minutes, it’s obviously frustrating to lose half of that,” Vowles explained.
Looking at the damage caused, the team principal added jokingly: “Back in the garage, he regretted how much it will cost. I suspect he will have to pay for it by adopting a family of marmots, because ultimately that is the consequence.”
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