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Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto issues staunch defence after 'really dangerous' crash

Franco Colapinto has explained his role in the accident with Haas' Oliver Bearman.

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Franco Colapinto has denied triggering Oliver Bearman's "really dangerous" accident in the Japanese Grand Prix. 

On Lap 21, the Haas driver slammed into the barriers at Spoon curve after having to jink left to avoid Colapinto, who has harvesting his batteries compared to Bearman deploying his energy in a bid to overtake.

The closing speed was about 45kph - 29.7mph, with Bearman not sustaining any major injuries, only bruising after an X-ray at the medical centre.

Post-race, Carlos Sainz criticised the FIA for ignoring driver concerns over the potential for accidents being caused by high closing speeds, with the governing body also issuing a statement.

Reflecting on his role in the crash, Colapinto explained that he had done nothing different than on previous laps.

"It was really strange, the speed difference was so big it was almost like I was on an out-lap, it was really odd," Colapinto told media, including RacingNews365.

"It is a corner that we are doing flat, and he was 50kph quicker than me, so it is very strange.

"I think it gets sketchy when the straights are not straight, and it is turning, and as I looked in the mirrors, he was spinning on the grass and even overtook me, so imagine the speed difference.

"I think at some point, it becomes really dangerous, and I'm glad he was okay. I saw him walking in the paddock, and he seemed fine. 

"I never moved or anything like that, so I think the speed difference, the marbles [contributed], but the biggest thing is that one car was doing 50kph more, and that is when it becomes dangerous.

"It is the same thing which happened in Melbourne, just that was in the race start, and I had to avoid someone doing 100kph less, but it is the things happening with these cars, and we just need to understand how to make it a bit less of a problem.

"I never used the boost in that straight corner, but I think Ollie was using it because he looked really strong and came like 45kph quicker than on his previous lap, and that is a really big difference."

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