Heart-Stopping Incident at Suzuka

In a heart-stopping moment during the second practice session at the Suzuka Circuit, Alpine driver Jack Doohan lost control of his car and collided violently with the tyre barriers at Turn 1. The crash occurred as he was attempting a second flying lap, accelerating to a staggering 330 km/h. Unfortunately, he experienced high-speed oversteer, sending his Alpine A525 flying off the track.

Details of the Crash

As he barreled toward the barriers, Doohan found himself helpless, gripping the steering wheel as he slid across the gravel. His new Pirelli tyres suffered severe degradation, stretching down to the canvas as they impacted the tarmac. The collision was so severe it left the left side of his car in tatters, requiring extensive repairs from the team.

Medical Response

After the shocking incident, Doohan remained motionless in the car for several minutes before he was assisted out by medical personnel. Although visibly shaken, he was cleared by FIA medical staff after precautionary checks. Fortunately, the young driver was pronounced fit to continue participating in the race weekend, where he aims to impress team management amid intense competition for his seat.

Investigation into the Cause

The crash raised significant concerns regarding its cause. Preliminary findings indicated that Doohan may have struggled with the Drag Reduction System (DRS). As the race weekend unfolds, crucial insights from the team's analysis reveal that drivers often keep their DRS open for Turn 1, a corner that benefits from maximum downforce.

DRS and Loss of Control

While attempting to turn in for the apex, Doohan did not deactivate his DRS in time, leading to unintended car instability. The team learned from telemetry data that in the lap preceding the crash, Doohan had briefly tapped the brakes, which should have triggered the DRS closure. However, it appears that he did not execute it correctly, as the DRS remained open, leading to the loss of control.

Comparison with Teammate

Comparatively, his teammate Pierre Gasly took a more straightforward approach to managing DRS in Turn 1, safely deactivating it before entering the corner. Team Principal Oli Oakes emphasized the importance of this lesson, noting, “We are all relieved to see Jack walk away and are ready to work on the car’s repairs.”

Doohan's Reaction

Doohan himself expressed gratitude for the team's support and resilience after the accident. “It was a heavy one, something that caught me by surprise," he admitted. "I know the team has a lot of work ahead, and I’m focused on getting back on track.”

Looking Ahead to Redemption

As the team scrambles to rebuild his battered vehicle, all eyes will be on Doohan in the next Free Practice session as he seeks redemption and a chance to prove his worth this weekend in Japan’s demanding conditions. The events at Suzuka serve as a stark reminder of the fine line drivers must navigate between speed and control, especially at high-stakes races where every millisecond counts.