Kobayashi apologizes for pit stop incident

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 08: Kamui Kobayashi of Japan and Sauber F1 drives during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit on July 8, 2012 in Northampton, England.

During the Grand Prix of Silverstone last Sunday, Kamui Kobayashi shocked many people by driving too fast into the pits and hitting his mechanics. It has been revealed that no mechanics were seriously injured and the Japanese driver has apologized for his actions.

Kobayashi took too much speed when he went into his second pit stop at the British GP. He drove into the front jack mechanic and those working on the right front wheel also got hit. Two mechanics had to go to the medical centre. One had a few cuts and bruises and the other a sore thumb. The third had a bruised foot.

Kamui was fined €25,000 for the accident. The stewards had the opinion that the incident was a “a very dangerous manoeuvre which had potentially serious implications”.

The Sauber driver apologized for the happening and explained what happened. “First of all the accident at the pit stop was my fault and I want to apologise to the team,” Kobayashi said. “Of course I had to push hard for points, but without doubt I braked too late in the pit lane. The front wheels locked, I couldn’t control the car, and this is how I overshot the pit box.”

“I am terribly sorry this happened, and I hope the three mechanics I hit get well soon. Up to this happening my race was good. I had improved from 17th on the grid to a top ten position, and was hoping for points.” Kobayashi concluded.

Watch a video of the pit stop incident at Sunday’s race here.

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