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F1: Rubens Barrichello's Williams suffered a suspension failure

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello has denied claims he recklessly endangered his Formula 1 rivals after crashing out of Sunday's Grand Prix of Monaco.

The veteran threw his steering wheel onto the racing line after shunting due to a mechanical problem whilst climbing Beau Rivage at high speed.

“Rubens had a rear suspension failure,” said Team Williams’ technical Director Sam Michael.

“We have a good idea which part is suspect, but to be completely sure, we need to await the results of materials tests back at the factory.”

The impacts dented the Armco barriers on both sides of the Monaco layout, and in apparent frustration Barrichello threw his $50,000 steering wheel onto the track.

It was promptly run over by Karun Chandhok, who dragged the expensive debris all the way to the tunnel before it came loose and was run over again by Bruno Senna.

It is also a fundamental rule breach not to re-connect the steering wheel after abandoning a stricken car.

"What was he doing?," Chandhok said of Barrichello. "Charlie (Whiting) actually asked me about it. You see on the video that he just throws it."

But the Williams driver insists: "I threw the steering wheel because I wanted to get out of the car as soon as possible.

"After the shunt I was facing the wrong side of the track and the car was on fire," he argued.

Williams co-owner Patrick Head also defended his driver.

"If you are standing in the middle of a 120mph corner, you tend to think 'let's get out of here as quickly as you can'."

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada