Monaco GP barrier malfunctions as car gets stuck underneath in scary incident | F1 | Sport
One driver had a scary near-miss after a Tecpro barrier malfunctioned on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. Before the Formula One action got underway, qualifying for the Porsche Supercup took place on the Monte-Carlo track.
Tecpro barriers are supposed to act as a giant cushion in high-speed crash incidents. Made from foam and polyethylene, they prevent cars from hitting hard objects at high speeds. They were adopted by the FIA several years ago as they are proven to prevent horrific accidents and are easy to replace. However, one nearly failed during Porsche Supercup qualifying action.
On the tight and narrow Monaco track, one car smashed into the side of the circuit. It is supposed to be cushioned by the Tecpro barrier that goes around the road, but instead the material dangerously lifted up and onto the car.
Pictures from the track show the car wedged underneath the barrier in what could have been a far more dangerous incident. In total, the 30-minute qualifying session was halted three times for separate incidents.
‟That’s exactly what I expected,” Pole-winner Robert de Haan said of the delays afterwards. ‟And that’s also why I concentrated on attempting a flying lap as early as possible on my second set of tyres. But after the retirement at Imola, the most important thing for me is to score as many points as possible this time.”
His team-mate, Marvin Klein, was forced to abandon a possible pole-setting lap due to one of the red flags.
Meanwhile, Porsche star Theo Oeverhaus was frustrated with some bad luck, revealing: ‟After one red flag, I was the first to leave the pit lane, immediately got a clear lap, and was able to achieve the second-best time. After the next interruption, I was at the very back of the queue. So of course, there was no chance of improving.”
F1 action returns to the track this afternoon and stars will be hoping that the Tecpro barrier is sturdier than it was yesterday. Qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix takes place this afternoon, with several drivers hoping to be in pole position.
The Monte-Carlo track is notoriously difficult to perform overtakes on. Charles Leclerc was last year’s champion, winning his home race for the very first time. He and Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton have endured a tough season and will hope to claim their maiden Grand Prix victory of the campaign.
