Renault truck crash won't affect team's Hungarian GP preparations

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Renault has announced that the crash suffered by one of its team truck's on Monday hasn't affected its preparations for this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Renault's transporter, which had left Hockenheim the evening before, crashed into a motorway barrier near Gyor, about 120 km from Budapest.

The driver was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and has since returned home, according to an update issued this morning by the French team.

"The driver of the Renault F1 Team truck involved in a road traffic accident in Hungary on Monday continues to make good progress and has returned home," Renault stated.

"The goods being transported were not damaged and the team’s preparations for the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend have not been affected. We look forward to getting the weekend underway."

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Renault endured a dismal German Grand Prix, with Daniel Ricciardo sidelined early on by an exhaust failure while Nico Hulkenberg was solidly positioned among the top four when he was caught out by the treacherous conditions a few laps after the race's midway point.

"We left Hockenheim with a bitter taste as, in exceptional races like Sunday’s, you can really pick up some big points," said Renaut F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul ahead of this weekend's Hungarian round.

"We have another chance in Hungary to demonstrate what we can do, and I know both drivers are motivated to deliver on the potential and go into the summer on a positive.

"We had a small taste of what it feels like to be up at the front on merit and this is just the motivation we need heading towards the summer break."

Abiteboul's "bitterness" was matched by that of Hulkenberg who squandered his chances of finally securing a podium finish after 167 races in F1 when he was caught out by the track conditions.

"It was a bitter one and I’m very disappointed for the team and myself," Hulkenberg said.

"We were doing a very good job in difficult conditions. It hurts, but we have the opportunity for an immediate comeback this weekend in Hungary. I’m determined as ever for a strong result."

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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.