Race and classic pictures

Romain Grosjean's painful wildlife encounter

©Haas

It's the story of an unlucky high-speed encounter between a Haas and a marmot, and unfortunately one of the two did not survive.

The Ile de Notre Dame wild inhabitant had been spotted on the track during Friday's practice, in the vicinity of Turn 13. The daring groundhog just got too close for comfort and the inevitable occurred.

“It was a big impact. It was a big animal,” the Frenchman told Autosport.

“It’s a bit disappointing because they showed it on TV before the beginning of the session at Turn 13, and that’s exactly where I hit it.

“I’m surprised they didn’t move it. It’s a shame for the animal, of course, and it’s a shame for our front wing as well."

Haas' drivers had be warned by team boss Guenther Steiner to keep out of trouble during practice and qualifying as the US outfit is dramatically short on spare parts.

Grosjean's roadkill and destroyed front wing now leaves him with zero margin for error.

“We are quite limited on spare parts, and losing a front wing like this is a bit disappointing.

But it happens in Canada, and it’s a shame. There are things you can control and things you can’t.

“It’s not great, but there’s not much we could have done differently.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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