Jack Doohan avoided serious injuries in a major crash during his second practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix, facing the reconstruction of Takayama.
The Alpine driver had just begun the fifth lap of FP2 when Ryo River Sakigawa missed FP1 as he drove for him and turned off at high speed in one turn. Doohan made a full throttle turn at the first corner and looked like he was open as there was no downforce.
Doohan is estimated to be above 180 mph, and he took the time to come out of the wreckage despite the car causing a lot of damage and the Australian told the team on the radio that it was OK. After being checked at the medical center, he was released from Takayama’s hospitality.
“Following the preventive medical checks, we can make sure Jack is OK,” Alpine posted Friday evening. “Now we’re working hard to get our cars ready for tomorrow.”
The team initially declined to comment further on the incident, but Duhan also did not speak publicly after the crash. Team principal Oliver Oaks later confirmed that the cause was a driver error.
“We are all relieved to see Jack leave his case in Free Practice 2 and are happy to see him okay after a preventive check,” Oaks said. “It was a false decision not to close DR to turn 1. It’s something to learn and I know Jack and the team are ready tomorrow. His crew will work hard to prepare the car after the damage.”