Venezuelan GP2 series' driver Pastor Maldonado had one hand on the champion's trophy when he was involved in an accident during the first race of the Monza meeting.
At the end of lap 2, Maldonado had launched himself off the back of Romain Grosjean's car at the first corner on the restart.
Photo: WRI2
That triggered an accident that resulted in Jerome D'Ambrosio tagging the rear of Bianchi, and Marcus Ericsson, Brendon Hartley and Luiz Razia getting tangled further back.
Photo: WRI2
The latter three retired on the spot, but remarkably everyone else was able to continue, albeit with an obviously damaged car in Maldonado's case.
Maldonado's concerns were solved on the lap five restart when his only title rival Sergio Perez became involved in a crash with Michael Herck that put both out on the spot.
The Venezuelan captured the title the following day, despite completing less than two laps.
