• British Grand Prix

No serious injuries at Sauber, Kobayashi apologises

ESPN Staff
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The moment of impact: Kamui Kobayashi hits his pit crew at his second pit stop © Getty Images
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No Sauber mechanics were seriously injured in Kamui Kobayashi's pit stop accident at the British Grand Prix, for which the Japanese driver has apologised.

Kobayashi ploughed into the front jack mechanic and those working on his right front wheel after he took too much speed into his pit box for his second stop. Two mechanics went to the medical centre, one with a sore thumb and one with a few cuts and bruises, while a third had a bruised foot treated in the garage.

"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 was fined €25,000 for the incident, which the stewards described as "a very dangerous manoeuvre which had potentially serious implications".

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