Ferrari confirm cause of Vettel crash

Ferrari confirm cause of Vettel crash

Matthew Scott

Thursday 28 February 2019 10:29

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Ferrari have confirmed that Sebastian Vettel's crash on the second day of the final pre-season test was down to a broken rim on his front left wheel. According to the team, Vettel's wheel was damaged by debris just before he skidded through turn three of the Circuit de Catalunya and into the barriers.

The crash caused significant damage to the SF90 and effectively ended Ferrari's day, with Charles Leclerc managing a solitary installation lap before the chequered flag fell.

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The incident prompted Ferrari to alter their schedule for the remainder of the test, with Leclerc given a full day's running on Thursday and Vettel resuming duties on the final day.

Brake damage and suspension failure had been mooted as potential reasons for Vettel's crash, but Ferrari have now given their reason for the incident.

A spokesman said: "After thorough checks we found that Seb's off yesterday was due to a rim issue.

"The rim had been damaged a few seconds before by an impact with a foreign object."

The crash was Ferrari's first setback in pre-season, with the red cars having previously put in impressive programmes.

Both Mercedes and Red Bull have pegged Ferrari as the team to beat in F1 at the start of the season, although none of the top teams have shown their true hand in terms of pace.

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VIDEO: Vettel crash footage emerges