Yuki Tsunoda’s crash at Turn 5 prompts FIA action at the Hungaroring.
- Drivers had already voiced concerns about the Turn 5 grass strip before the incident.
- Tsunoda’s crash led to significant damage and a full rebuild for his team.
- FIA replaced the problematic grass strip with gravel overnight.
- Safety and driver feedback play a crucial role in track adjustments.
The Hungaroring’s Turn 5 became a hot topic after Yuki Tsunoda’s dramatic crash during qualifying. Tsunoda, pushing the limits, lost control when he hit the grass strip, damaging the left side of his car. His mishap not only highlighted the challenges of navigating the circuit but also the drivers’ existing concerns over the grass strip. The incident underscored the need for changes to ensure driver safety, especially under tricky conditions.
Peter Bayer, the team boss, emphasized that the grass strip issue had been raised in the drivers’ briefing. He drew attention to a specific uneven patch that acted like a ‘sausage kerb’ when discovered firsthand by Tsunoda. This revelation led the FIA to inspect the site closely and make immediate changes by replacing the grass with gravel, a move confirmed by FIA race director Niels Wittich.
Wittich’s pre-race notes meticulously detailed that the last 4 meters of the grass strip behind the exit kerb on Turn 5 were switched to gravel. This quick modification aimed to prevent similar incidents in future races, prioritizing the drivers’ safety by addressing their concerns promptly and efficiently. Yuki Tsunoda reflected on the incident, acknowledging it as part of the sport, citing “it’s obviously Q3, and half of the tyre went on the grass — but to be honest with those kind of things, normally it happens.” He noted that the wet conditions likely worsened the outcome, making his off-track excursion more severe.
Tsunoda’s crash and subsequent repairs provided a stark reminder of the consequences of pushing the limits in racing. The team managed the rebuild efficiently, but the incident highlighted how a seemingly small issue could lead to a significant track change. The Japanese driver remains upbeat despite starting the Grand Prix from tenth on the grid, just behind teammate Daniel Ricciardo. His reflections after the crash and the swift track adjustments demonstrate the dynamic nature of motorsports, where safety measures evolve based on real-time events.
The swift track changes at the Hungaroring emphasize the FIA’s commitment to driver safety and adaptability in motorsports.
