Watch: Formula E Drivers Escape Serious Injuries After High-Speed Pileup During Rome E-Prix
Sam Bird's Jaguar caused the accident when he lost control of the car's rear end coming out of Turn 6. As a result, he was in the centre of the track and exposed to danger. From there, Envision Racing's Sebastien Buemi collided with Bird's vehicle, sending him flying into the wall before landing.
By Divyam Dubey
A terrifying high-speed accident occurred during the first race of Formula E's Rome doubleheader, resulting in a red flag and the retirement of many vehicles. Sam Bird, driving for Jaguar and leading the race at the time, crashed into the wall at turn six on lap nine, causing him and his car to uncontrollably veer towards the centre of the track. Bird's misfortune was compounded by the fact that his disabled vehicle was positioned directly in the line of cars approaching a blind turn at breakneck speeds. Former Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi said this turn is among the most dangerous on the whole circuit. Envision Racing's Sebastien Buemi made contact with Bird's vehicle after the first crash, sending him into a collision with the wall, but fortunately, he was able to land safely. Meanwhile, Edoardo Mortara of Maserati MSG Racing slammed into the side of Bird's car, bringing out the red flag and delaying the race for 45 minutes. Six drivers ultimately were forced out of the race because of the accident.
Also Read: Formula E Rome E-Prix: Jake Dennis Wins as Evans Crashes into Cassidy
Formula E Rome E-Prix: Damaged Cars
After a 45-minute red flag delay, the race was able to restart, thanks to the efforts of racing marshals, medical staff, and others. Meanwhile, the other 13 drivers held their cool in the sweltering Italian heat and continued on to complete the whole race.
BIG shunt.
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) July 15, 2023
Multiple drivers are out of the @Hankook_Sport #RomeEPrix following this nasty accident. pic.twitter.com/VskBzDYafM
Teams worked frantically during the night to fix their vehicles, which were significantly damaged in the incident, so that they could race the following day. The Formula E broadcaster Saunders Carmichael-Brown said that the teams worked together to trade components and get as many vehicles as possible back on the circuit for Sunday's race.
Despite being engaged in the collision, all drivers were allowed to participate in the second race of the day.
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Formula E Rome E-Prix: Cassidy's Formula E Title Hopes Sink After Sunday's Crash
Nick Cassidy saw his chances of winning the Formula E championship vanish when fellow countryman and future teammate Mitch Evans collided with him on Sunday. During the second Rome E-Prix, Cassidy was contending for first place when Evans' Jaguar slid out of control and crashed into the rear of the leading Envision. After the two made contact, Evans flew over Cassidy's back and crashed into the wall.
Was this the deciding moment of the title race? @hankook_sport #RomeEPrix pic.twitter.com/XsQRRNxrjs
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) July 16, 2023
While Cassidy consistently placed 14th, Evans dropped out of the race. With no points collected, the drivers' standings shifted dramatically. Cassidy held a two-point lead over Oliver Rowland of Nissan going into the last race of the season. After Rowland crossed the finish line first, it turned into a 24-point disadvantage. Cassidy, who has three victories this season, is well aware of the gravity of the issue. The safety car gave Cassidy, age 28, a chance to make up places, but he was unable to finish in the points.
