Lauda: “A set of circumstances” in Bianchi accident

The Japanese Grand Prix was marked by the terrible accident of Jules Bianchi who hit a tow truck that had intervened to evacuate Adrian Sutil's Sauber in the final laps of the race, when the rain had returned. Despite the presence of the yellow flags, the Frenchman lost control of his Marussia in the Degner corner (n°8). The FIA ​​chose not to broadcast the images of the accident while the Frenchman is operated on in serious condition.

Typhoon Phanfone bringing showers had already caused controversy since the start of the weekend, with some calling for the race to be brought forward. But the wet conditions were not prohibitive, Jules Bianchi was even using intermediate tires at the time of his accident. “The rain was not the real problem,” said Niki Lauda, ​​the non-executive chairman of Mercedes F1, who opposes Adrian Sutil's opinion. “The race could have ended without this accident because the darkness was not a concern. The Sutil accident was way off track and we wouldn't have discussed it under normal circumstances. »

“Motor sport is dangerous”, recalls Niki Lauda, ​​himself the victim of a serious accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring where he almost lost his life. “We are used to nothing happening and suddenly we are all surprised. We must always be aware of this. This accident was due to a combination of circumstances. A car comes out, the crane intervenes, and another car comes out. »