Ericsson has spectacular accident during second practice

  • Published on 31 Aug 2018 15:11
  • comments 5
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Marcus Ericsson suffered a huge accident during the second practice session at Monza. In the early stages of the session, the Swede was heading into Turn 1 before his car snapped to the left, causing him to hit into the barriers and barrel roll down an escape route.

The crash appeared to be caused by a DRS failure, as the Sauber's rear wing was open as Ericsson hit the brakes. The system is supposed to automatically close once it senses pressure on the brake pedal. It is the second DRS failure in a week, as Kimi Raikkonen was forced to retire from the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend due to a similar issue.

Ericsson hit the barriers hard, however there was no major damage done to them. The 27-year-old was able to climb out of his wrecked car by himself, but was immediately taken to the medical centre. Sauber is investigating the issue, with Charles Leclerc also suffering from a DRS issue.

Ericsson is likely to take new engine parts and a gearbox following the accident, which will result in a grid penalty. After his top-ten finish at Spa, he was aiming to score points this weekend at Alfa Romeo's [Sauber's title sponsor] home Grand Prix.

Replies (5)

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  • The last time Ericsson had a similar crash with braking with DRS open, he just forgot to close it (was it Silverstone?). Was it really a failure this time or just same mistake?

    • + 0
    • Aug 31 2018 - 15:54
    • Kean

      Posts: 692

      After Silverstone they made sure that the DRS would close as soon as you eased of the throttle. The steering wheel was pointing straight when the car veered off to the left. Highly likely it was technical failure and not a driver mistake.

      • + 0
      • Aug 31 2018 - 16:35
  • Really glad he's okay. Very strange how it was able to flip over like that

    • + 0
    • Aug 31 2018 - 16:43
    • Kean

      Posts: 692

      Watching FP2 now, Leclerc went out to test his DRS and it stayed open also. Likely the Monza spec rear wing that is faulty.

      • + 0
      • Aug 31 2018 - 16:53
    • I think it is the strength of the wheel tethers that made the car flip... the wheels dug in and sent the car in to a roll.
      Great to see he walked away from it!

      • + 0
      • Aug 31 2018 - 19:26

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