The FIA is investigating World Touring Car Championship driver Tom Coronel’s bizarre collision with a fire vehicle during practice in Vila Real last month.
Coronel’s ROAL Motorsport Chevrolet Cruze suffered a left-front wheel failure through the street circuit’s fast downhill section at the end of the lap in the first practice session.
He missed the Turn 23 right-hander and went straight on through a gap in a crash barrier, before colliding with a stationary fire crew van.
Coronel walked away from the crash but was unable to take any further part in the weekend, and later said the impact measured approximately 25G.
The FIA said the circuit was not in its ‘licensed configuration’ when the incident occurred, and that it was investigating the circumstances leading to the collision and how a similar incident could be avoided in the future.
A statement from the FIA read: “During practice for the WTCC round in Vila Real last weekend, Tom Coronel’s car suffered a mechanical failure that saw his car leave the track, and ultimately make contact with another vehicle outside the confines of the race track.
“This result was due to the fact that the track was not in its licensed configuration at the time of the incident.
“Corrective actions were immediately implemented for the remainder of running at the Vila Real circuit.
“A more detailed analysis is being undertaken as all involved work to understand how to improve procedures in order to prevent any re-occurrences in future.”
VIDEO: Coronel suffers bizarre crash at Vila Real
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