The Spanish Grand Prix weekend has been hit by a major scare after a Formula 2 car caught fire moments after a violent crash at the challenging new Madring circuit.
The dramatic incident took place during Friday’s F2 practice session, shortly before the Formula 1 machinery was scheduled to make its first appearance on the track. Tasanol Inthraphuvasak was involved in the accident after losing control of his car just minutes into the session.
The driver spun at Turn 19 before the car slammed hard into the barriers. The rear of the vehicle appeared to take the majority of the impact, leaving the car badly damaged.
Almost immediately after the collision, flames erupted from the wreckage, prompting track marshals to spring into action. Safety personnel quickly arrived at the scene as the seriousness of the crash became clear.
The incident represents the first major accident at the Madring circuit during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend and has once again highlighted the demanding nature of the new venue.
Madring is hosting Spain’s flagship motorsport event at a new location, and the circuit has already attracted considerable attention because of its difficult layout. Drivers have spent time using simulators to familiarise themselves with the track, but the opening F2 session showed that the real-life challenge could be considerably more intense.
The circuit has developed an intimidating reputation, with its combination of fast sections, technical corners and barriers providing very little room for drivers to recover from mistakes.
Inthraphuvasak’s crash will likely lead teams and officials to examine the Turn 19 section closely as they prepare for the rest of the weekend. The incident could also force drivers to reconsider how aggressively they approach the corner when competitive sessions begin.
With Formula 1 yet to complete its opening laps at Madring, there is already plenty of intrigue surrounding the circuit. Teams will be eager to gather more information about tyre behaviour, braking zones and the track’s most difficult sections.
The frightening crash has therefore provided an early reminder of the risks involved at the new Spanish venue. While the focus remains on the racing, the incident has ensured that safety will be a major talking point as the weekend continues.
Madring’s first Spanish Grand Prix weekend was always expected to be challenging, but the spectacular F2 accident has made that reputation clear from the very beginning.
