Williams have revealed that Rubens Barrichello’s Monaco crash was caused by a loose manhole cover which also resulted in a third safety car period.
Barrichello hit the barriers after what looked like a suspension failure going into turn two before coming to a halt facing the oncoming traffic. However, an investigation into the accident by the Williams team has highlighted the manhole cover as the cause.
Just after the accident, stewards notified the FIA that a manhole cover had come loose. The FIA responded with a safety car before deciding it was safe to continue.
A statement released by the team on Friday reads: “Following an investigation, AT&T Williams confirmed today that the cause of Rubens Barrichello’s crash at the Monaco Grand Prix was a loose manhole cover at Turn 2.
“As Rubens’ car drove over the manhole cover, the cover was spun up and hit the rear left wheel, causing failure.
“The car was badly damaged in the ensuing crash which ended Rubens’ race. This incident has been reported to the FIA.”
The FIA are likely to want to investigate the matter further.
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