8 Big Modern Formula 1 Crashes

2. Jacques Villeneuve - Australia 2001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB-AcTjAgac In the opening laps of the Australian Grand Prix from Albert Park, Villeneuve was racing with Ralf Schumacher in the Williams. Under braking, he was caught out by the Williams slowing as Ralf braked early, and hit the rear wheel. The BAR-Honda was catapulted up into the air, then struck the outside safety barriers and fencing before tumbling into the gravel trap. Both drivers were fine, however in the incident one of the wheels of the BAR flew through a small gap in the safety fencing, striking marshal Graham Beveridge and killing him. The safety car was out for ten laps as he was treated track side before being transferred to hospital, but sadly was pronounced dead. Implications This incident had very tragic consequences, and showed how loose debris, particularly wheels and tyres, at high speed can easily have tragic outcomes. It showed that marshals need protection at track side and that any exposure to the track is dangerous, and contributed to the continued progress in safety in Formula 1 that had really accelerated since Black Weekend at Imola in 1994. This was the last death in Formula 1 until the 2013 Canadian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
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Self-confessed Geek; Aerospace Engineer with a passion for Formula 1, Engineering, Science and Cinema.