FIA launches "thorough review" of procedures after recovery vehicle outrage

Ewan Gale
Sunday 9 October 2022 14:23 - Updated: 14:25

The FIA has confirmed the launch of a "thorough review" of the events surrounding the use of recovery vehicles after outrage was sparked at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Pierre Gasly was incandescent with rage after passing the vehicle that was on track to recover Carlos Sainz's crashed Ferrari on the run to Spoon corner in torrential rain.

Red flags were soon thrown due to the poor weather conditions, with drivers understandably furious with the dangerous situation presented to them, harking back to the tragic passing of Jules Bianchi, who struck a vehicle in similar circumstances at the same track in 2014.

Acknowledging that the recovery of stricken cars is not unusual when the race has been neutralised, F1's governing body has begun an investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for the FIA said: "While it is normal practice to recover cars under Safety Car and Red Flag conditions, due to the particular circumstances and also taking into account feedback from of a number of drivers, the FIA has launched a thorough review of the events involving the deployment of recovery vehicles during the Japanese Grand Prix.

"This is part of the common practice of debrief and analysis of all race incidents to ensure continual improvements of processes and procedures."

Numerous safety procedures were implemented in the wake of Bianchi's incident, including the introduction of the virtual safety car.

But with the use of recovery vehicles seemingly more prominent in recent times, drivers have voiced their dismay with the practice.