Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Briatore wants answers on Alonso crash

Flavio Briatore says he wants answers regarding Fernando Alonso's crash in Barcelona a few weeks ago.

The Spaniard's manager has carried out an interview on Sky Italia expressing the strange nature of the accident after witnessing a video of the mishap.

"He appears to crash without any reason," Briatore said. "[Sebastian] Vettel was right behind him, passed him and then Fernando crashes. Perhaps there was a steering problem, but McLaren haven't offered any information about this."

Briatore also insisted on the precautionary measures decided by the doctors who kept Alonso in hospital for a few days and ordered him to miss this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

"If Fernando had had a problem, a heart problem, a small stroke, a blood clot, the doctors would have diagnosed it; it can happen even to a great sportsman. And we have seen that absolutely all the examinations and tests made on the driver were negative. Also, there was a lot of nonsense spoken after the accident, like the fact that he woke up and said 'I'm young and I race in karts.' That simply isn't true."

The FIA announced last week its own investigation into Alonso's accident, mainly to rule out any causes linked with an electrical problem on the McLaren, something the team itself has strongly denied.

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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.