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Ferrari mechanic breaks leg in mishap

A Ferrari mechanic was taken to hospital with a broken leg after being hit by Kimi Raikkonen’s car during a Bahrain Grand Prix pitstop on Sunday.

Raikkonen, who had been in third place, was told to stop immediately and retired in the pitlane while teammate Sebastian Vettel went on to win.

Ferrari said the mechanic on the left rear wheel, named only as Francesco, had a suspected shin bone and fibula fracture after being knocked over as the Finn was wrongly given the signal to leave with only three tyres replaced.

“I go when the light is green. I don’t see what happens behind and unfortunately he got hurt,” said Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion.

“My job is to go when the light says so. Hopefully, he’s okay.”

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne wished the mechanic a speedy recovery in his post-race statement.

“I am sorry for Kimi who could certainly have finished on the podium,” he added. 

In the race, Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly was best-of-the-rest behind only Vettel and Mercedes pair Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton.

“I don’t actually know what to say...just unbelievable,” he declared.

Gasly, who made his debut last October at the Malaysian Grand Prix and is in his first full Formula One season, had already made an impression before Sunday’s race by setting the sixth-fastest time in qualifying on Saturday. – REUTERS

 

formula oneferrariKimi Raikkonenmechanicaccident