Karun Chandhok’s early-season practice crash in Melbourne was caused by driver error rather than a mechanical failure, GPUpdate.net has learned.
Having been recently confirmed as Team Lotus’ official reserve driver, Chandhok replaced Jarno Trulli for 2011’s first practice session on Friday afternoon.
The first car on-track and beginning an out-lap, the Indian lost control when applying the power exiting Turn 3, ripping off his front wing and puncturing the right-rear tyre due to heavy contact with the inside wall.
“Guys I don’t know what happened, I just lost it,” Chandhok was heard reporting over team radio, having abandoned his car at Turn 4. He was unable to rejoin the session.
The incident can be viewed at GPUpdate TV
The second Albert Park practice session begins at 4:30pm local time (GMT +11) and can also be followed live via GPUpdate.net
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| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  M. Webber | Red Bull | 01:26.831 | 20 |
| 2. | S. Vettel | Red Bull | 01:27.158 | 19 |
| 3. | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 01:27.749 | 20 |
| 4. | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 01:28.152 | 16 |
| 5. | R. Barrichello | Williams | 01:28.430 | 24 |
| 6. | J. Button | McLaren | 01:28.440 | 29 |
| 7. | L. Hamilton | McLaren | 01:28.483 | 26 |
| 8. | M. Schumacher | Mercedes | 01:28.690 | 14 |
| 9. | K. Kobayashi | Sauber | 01:28.725 | 13 |
| 10. | V. Petrov | Lotus Renault | 01:28.765 | 15 |
| Full results | ||||
| Karun Chandhok | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| More Karun Chandhok photos | |||
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