Merhi and Latifi huge crash after finnish line at Red Bull Ring (12 July 2015) Formula Renault 3.5
- 6 years ago
Roberto Merhi was thrown out of the Formula Renault 3.5 double-header at the Red Bull Ring (Spielberg) after causing a massive crash at the end of the first race. Both cars sustained heavy damage in the violent impact. Both drivers were able to walk away from the incident.
Pons Racing's Spaniard was involved in a frightening accident shortly after taking the chequered flag on Sunday morning, when his slowing car was rear-ended at high speed by Arden racer Nicholas Latifi.
Immediately after crossing the line Merhi slowed almost to a stop approaching the second position on the grid where he was due to start the afternoon’s race from. Latifi, who was battling with Tom Dillmann as he finished, slammed into the Pons car, launching into a roll. The stewards accused Merhi of “dangerous” driving and excluded him from both races.
Merhi, who later claimed he had slowed because of a suspension problem he incurred following contact at turn one during the race, described the penalty as “excessive”.
“Watching the video of the accident it’s obvious that when I slow down I move towards the pit wall and the people behind me are quite far away and on the other side of the start finish line,” he said. “There wasn’t any recklessness that would justify such a penalty and the result was all totally by chance, with a series of very bad luck that lead to the accident.”
Pons Racing's Spaniard was involved in a frightening accident shortly after taking the chequered flag on Sunday morning, when his slowing car was rear-ended at high speed by Arden racer Nicholas Latifi.
Immediately after crossing the line Merhi slowed almost to a stop approaching the second position on the grid where he was due to start the afternoon’s race from. Latifi, who was battling with Tom Dillmann as he finished, slammed into the Pons car, launching into a roll. The stewards accused Merhi of “dangerous” driving and excluded him from both races.
Merhi, who later claimed he had slowed because of a suspension problem he incurred following contact at turn one during the race, described the penalty as “excessive”.
“Watching the video of the accident it’s obvious that when I slow down I move towards the pit wall and the people behind me are quite far away and on the other side of the start finish line,” he said. “There wasn’t any recklessness that would justify such a penalty and the result was all totally by chance, with a series of very bad luck that lead to the accident.”