USA: Ralf walks away from huge crash at Turn 13

By Nick Sparkes
June 18 2005

Panasonic Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher escaped dazed but uninjured from a high-speed crash similar to his 2004 accident on the now unlucky Turn 13. Ralf was only 15 minutes into the session when the accident happened, turning his TF105 into a paperweight when it came to a halt on the pit straight.

Ralf was taking the final banked turn at speeds over 180mph when it suddenly swapped ends with no current warning. His Toyota hit the SAFER barrier with the rear of the car on the outside of the corner, before sprinting to the inside of the track where it layed to rest a few hundred yards down the main straight.

The impact ripped off the left-hand wheels of the TF105 and caused extensive damage to the bodywork and suspension. Ralf was lucky to walk away from the car after the memories of his 2004 incident.

A few hours later the team confirmed that it was a tyre failure on the rear of the car, which has been fully investigated by the Michelin engineers. Ralf was taken to a near by hospital at the circuit for a check up after complaining of dirt in his eye. A spokeswomen said: "His eyes are now being checked to see if everything is okay, but otherwise he suffered no problems whatsoever after the accident."

It's unclear if Ralf will compete at this weekends American Grand Prix, as he will have to wait till the start of Free Practice to get the all clear. Rumours circling the paddock say Ricardo Zonta has been told to be on stand-by if his German teammate cannot compete.

To see the full impact of Ralf Schumachers accident, click here.