First free practice in Baku abandoned after manhole drama!

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The first free practice session of the day in Baku was halted after just fifteen minutes on Friday when Williams' George Russell hit and blew up a manhole cover on the street circuit.

The incident occurred on the run between Turn 3 and 4 when the Williams dislodged the drain cover which was subsequently sucked up before it slammed into the underside of the FW42's, seriously damaging the Williams and leaving a trail of debris.

"I was just going down the straight on the normal line, hit a manhole cover and got the biggest smack in my boy," Russell told Sky Sports.

"The engine turned off, it ruined the floor and I'm worried for the chassis."

The comedy of errors took another bad turn for Williams when the truck carrying Russell's car saw its crane crash into a bridge, its hydraulic fluid then pouring over the already damaged FW42!

With over 300 manhole covers located around Baku's street circuit, a thorough security check or eventual repairs and welding could possibly jeopardize the running on Friday afternoon.

Baku's organisers have a reputation for being on top of things but the occurrence will undoubtedly blot their copy.

The incident will also provide F1's new race director Michael Masi with a major headache.

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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.