F1 safety car suffers bizarre crash at Monza

The Italian Grand Prix weekend has got off to a shaky start after the F1 safety car crashed while lapping the circuit on Thursday.

The safety and medical cars traditionally tour the circuit on the day before the F1 on-track action commences as the timing systems are tested for the weekend ahead.

It also offers fans who have access to the circuit facilities a chance to see the first on-track action of the weekend take place.

However, in an unusual twist, the safety car crashed during its usual pre-weekend tour of the circuit.

The crash occurred at the Parabolica corner, the final turn around the high-speed Monza Circuit, with the machine spinning off at high speed whilst under braking. 

Bernd Maylander, who is the traditional driver of the safety car, has held the role since 2000.

The FIA has confirmed no injuries have been sustained and the crash will not impact the race weekend.

“There was an on-track incident with the FIA Safety Car today at Monza,” read a statement from the FIA. 

“Aston Martin is investigating the cause but can confirm both driver and passenger are fine. There is an additional Safety Car at the circuit and it will not impact the weekend's event.”

See the safety car crash below!