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Update | Mercedes solved issue and can participate, Mortara can already race again
- GPblog.com
The Formula E season has begun with the first race. The first race was held yesterday in Saudi Arabia. Today, the second race will take place. Before that a free practice session was organised. However, there was also a big downside, as Edoardo Mortara was taken to hospital after a crash.
Nyck de Vries took his first victory of the season yesterday. Today, he finished second in the final free practice session. The other Dutchman, Robin Frijns, finished seventeenth yesterday. Today he put the fastest time on the board at the free practice and qualifying.
Mortara to hospital
Yet the free practice was dominated by the heavy crash of Edoardo Mortara. The Swiss driver's car failed to brake in the first corner. As a result, the car drove straight into the crash barrier. Mortara was subsequently removed from his car and taken to the hospital. "Edo has been taken to hospital. He is conscious, talking and moving his fingers and toes," The Race knows from a spokesman.
Earlier, the red flag came out during practice. German Andre Lotterer lost control of the wheel. He got away unscathed. The question remains whether his car will be repaired in time for the qualifying session.
Update | Mercedes come up with explanation for Mortara crash
Mercedes has come up with an explanation as to how Mortara could crash on Saturday. According to Autosport.com both brake pedal stroke sensors indicated that the brake pedal was fully depressed by the driver.
The German racing team has now made a software change and the FIA has checked whether it is safe to send the four Mercedes-powered cars on track for the second race of the weekend. Mercedes and Venturi have now received that approval.
Mortara has been allowed to leave the hospital and is now walking around the paddock again. His team Venturi has given him the choice to participate in the race or not. What the Swiss will do is still unknown.