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In a thrilling yet nerve-wracking moment during the second practice session of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, Alpine driver Jack Doohan experienced a heavy crash that left fans and team members in shock. The incident occurred as the rookie driver entered the high-speed Turn 1, where he lost control of his car and collided forcefully with the barriers. Fortunately, Doohan emerged unscathed, but the crash has sparked discussions about the importance of precision in racing.
The crash: A moment of misjudgment
Doohan’s crash was attributed to a critical misjudgment: he failed to manually close his Drag Reduction System (DRS) before entering the corner. This oversight resulted in an aerodynamic imbalance, causing his Alpine to spin uncontrollably as he approached the turn. The DRS is designed to deactivate automatically when a driver applies the brakes, but in this case, Doohan entered the corner without braking, leaving the rear wing open and vulnerable.
Team principal Oliver Oakes described the incident as a learning opportunity for Doohan, emphasizing the importance of understanding the car’s systems. “It was a misjudgment of not closing the DRS into Turn 1. It is something to learn from, and I know Jack and the team will be ready for tomorrow,” Oakes stated, highlighting the resilience of the team.
Doohan’s reflections and team dynamics
Reflecting on the crash, Doohan expressed his surprise at the incident, stating, “It was a heavy one, something that caught me by surprise, and I will learn from it.” His gratitude towards the team for their hard work in repairing the car was evident as he acknowledged the challenges ahead. With only four laps of experience at Suzuka, having ceded his spot in the first practice session to test driver Ryo Hirakawa, Doohan is keen to make the most of the upcoming sessions.
Meanwhile, teammate Pierre Gasly appeared to confirm Alpine’s competitive standing within the midfield, suggesting that the team is on the right track. Oakes noted that both Gasly and Hirakawa had productive runs during practice, providing valuable data for the team’s setup. “From a performance point of view today, there are some things for us to work on,” he explained, emphasizing the collaborative effort within the team.
Looking ahead: The road to recovery
As the team gears up for the next practice session, the focus remains on recovery and preparation. Doohan’s crash serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in Formula 1 racing, where split-second decisions can lead to dramatic consequences. The young driver is determined to bounce back, stating, “My focus is on tomorrow where we will have free practice three to get ready for qualifying.” With the support of his team and a renewed sense of determination, Doohan is ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in the exhilarating world of Formula 1.