Doohan destroys Alpine in colossal Japanese GP practice crash

Jack Doohan destroyed his Alpine less than 10 minutes into the second free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, bringing out the red flag.

The embattled Australian driver missed FP1 at Suzuka, with local hero and reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa taking his place.

Therefore, the 22-year-old was already down on running, but his session lasted just four laps. Whilst on the hard tyre, Doohan lost control of his car at entry to Turn 1, a high-speed right-hander that tightens into Turn 2.

He was instantly on the radio to ask what happened and appeared to be slightly shaken by the heavy impact.

Onboard replays do not suggest it was driver error at this stage. As soon as he turned in, there was no rear grip, which sent him into wall with the left side of the car hitting the barriers side on.