Vettel crashes in Barcelona test

Vettel crashes in Barcelona test

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 27 February 2019 11:23

Sebastian Vettel crashed into the barriers on the second morning of the second pre-season test, hampering Ferrari's efforts in Barcelona. The German went straight on at turn three, leaving his SF90 wedged into the barriers and bringing out red flags.

Vettel emerged unscathed from the incident, but his car appeared to pick up damage, perhaps ending the German's morning run, with Charles Leclerc taking over in the afternoon.

Article continues under video

The four-time world champion was taken to the medical Circuit de Catalunya medical centre for precautionary checks.

#Seb5 off was due to a mechanical problem. The car is now in the garage for all the needed checks. #SF90 #F1Testing — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 27, 2019

Ferrari have impressed so far in pre-season, with rivals Red Bull and Mercedes both pegging the Scuderia as the team to catch at the head of the grid at this stage of the year.

[RED FLAG] - looks like Sebastian Vettel has gone straight on and into the barriers. #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/niihRJwoBB — Rob Watts (@robwattsf1) February 27, 2019

Ferrari and Vettel fell short of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton last year amid errors on-track and the pit wall which saw to the end of Maurizio Arrivabene's tenure as team principal, with Mattia Binotto brought in to replace him.

MORE: Mercedes car completely changed for test two
MORE: Red Bull prepared for strategic grid penalties