F1 News: Zhou Guanyu Crashes Out Of Saudi Arabia FP3 In Dangerous Shunt
During Free Practice 3, Zhou Guanyu was involved in a severe crash after losing control at Turn 7, resulting in a collision with the race wall and bringing the session to a halt with around 15 minutes remaining. After the incident, Zhou conveyed through the team radio, "Sorry mate, I lost the car. Sorry, I don't know what happened. Otherwise, I am ok."
Before this incident, Zhou had expressed his apprehensions about a particularly treacherous segment of the Jeddah Corniche circuit, especially the exit kerb at turn 10. He had described the kerb as "a bit brutal" due to its high elevation, designed to prevent drivers from exceeding track limits but having led to various accidents in the past. This was highlighted by Mick Schumacher's significant crash in 2022.
Sauber Press Image
To address these safety concerns, adjustments have been made since the inaugural race, particularly in the first sector ending after turn 10, where barriers have been moved to better the drivers' line of sight through the fast, sweeping bends.
Zhou shared his thoughts on the circuit before FP3, stating:
"I like this track. The only corner maybe I don't like so much is turn 10, that exit kerb is a bit brutal when you bottom out and it is quite dangerous.
"But in general it is really nice. It is more because of the grip, the tarmac. It is the best in terms of grip compared to the other circuits, very similar to the European tracks in some cases.
"It is nice that you can really push these cars to the limit on the high speed and it is a nice feeling.
"A bit more room than other street circuits and qualifying is very nice because of the flow in sector one, when you get it right, you really feel the difference."
He also noted the strategic importance of sector one for gaining on competitors:
"Sector one. The blind corners, if you have good confidence and rhythm, you can [gain] there.
"When you don't feel confident with the car in the high-to-medium speed corners, you will struggle in sector one.
"It's clear for us where the lap time is coming from and where you can really beat other teams and drivers, you have to commit to that first sector."