Vitaly Petrov believes Mugello is an unsafe track

Russian Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov has become the first and as of yet only driver to speak out negatively about the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello circuit, with the Caterham driver stating that the track isn’t wide enough and is too dangerous for F1 cars.

This statement comes after the remaining drivers’ who have driven on the track this week announced their pleasure and sense of fulfillment in driving around the Mugello circuit. Mark Webber likened 10 laps around the track to 1000 around Abu Dhabi in sense of satisfaction, whereas fellow Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo stated: "Love driving the beast round here. Awesome high speed circuit.”

"I don’t think we should have come here," explained Petrov, who has contrasting views on the Mugello circuit. "It is not safe and wide enough. If you lose it, the walls are so close and you will smash into the tyres. It is not for Formula 1 and, if you lost the steering or the tyre pressure dropped or whatever, then it will be a big crash."

It was earlier announced that the director of the Mugello circuit, which is owned by Ferrari, is eager to one day see the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello circuit host a Grand Prix. With other drivers adoring their time on the Italian circuit, it seems Vitaly Petrov won’t be returning to the Mugello circuit anytime soon.

There have also been grumbles heard in the paddock all week about the wisdom of the test.

"I wonder about the sense of having just one test session during the season," a Mercedes engineer told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Either we do more tests or we forget it."

Also on Thursday, Fernando Alonso delayed Ferrari’s test programme when he ran off track with the newly upgraded F2012.

He finished the morning session third fastest, behind Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) and Romain Grosjean (Lotus).

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