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SOUTH AFRICAN GRAND PRIX
Drivers ban session
, KYALAMI, South Africa,
Thursday (AAP-AP) — Grand Prix
race car drivers, protesting against
a new licence, refused to show up
for the first official practice session
of the South African Grand prix
today.
. The drivers had signed a statement
last night saying they would not drive
during the first official practice because
they considered illegal the: new "super
licence" they were being required to
sign to drive , in this year's circuit.
Race promoter Robin Binches, react
ing to the threat last night, said all 31
drivers had signed the new licences and
would be required by their contracts to
drive during today's practice.
The drivers, according to spokesman
Niki Lauda, objected to several pro
visions of the licences, including a re
quirement that the drivers name the
team they, will drive for and agree not
to criticise the Formula One controlling
body, FISA.
Lauda also said drivers objected to
provisions requiring them to provide
details of their contracts and "other
personal information which FISA has
no right to demand".
The drivers met for six hours last
night with FISA president Jean
Ballestre to discuss the dispute. Race
. officials said the new Ijcence was neces
sary to prevent a recurrence of disputes
over drivers signing agreements with
more than one team.
Lauda said, "We have practised hard
for the race. We want to be part of it
but unless our compromises are agreed
to there is no chance that we can".
The race was scheduled for Saturday.
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