Mansell hits Alonso in two-seater race
World Champion collides with young Spanish star
Former world champion Nigel Mansell crashed into European Minardi's
current Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso during the 'Thunder in the
Park' day at Donington Park today (Tuesday).
Both Mansell and Alonso were behind the wheel of Minardi F1x2 cars,
competing in the world's first ever two-seater race, and were
accelerating out of Donington's short circuit Park Chicane when the
incident occurred on the penultimate lap.
Mansell rammed Alonso's car from behind, removing its rear wing as his
car climbed over the Spaniard's right-rear wheel and briefly flew
through the air. Alonso's machine was spun around in the impact.
Mansell was chauffeuring businessman Jonathan Frost, who had paid
55,000 to be in the back of the ex-champion's car, while ITV's F1 pit
lane reporter Louise Goodman was with Alonso.
"I think I must have overtaken a few people in the air," quipped Mansell.
The race was stopped and Minardi owner Paul Stoddart declared the
winner. Mansell was handed second place.
An ambulance was immediately on the scene, but neither of the two
drivers or their passengers were hurt.