Lotus Car Club of Sweden

"Hi guys, As you saw I am absolutely fine - got a bit smokey in there though. It was real shame, the car was brilliant up to that point, all three drivers were hitting the target lap times and we were working our way up the field.

This was the start of my second stint, so the car was brimmed with fuel. I saw a flash of flame while on the GP circuit and thought a small amount had spilt at the stop. I couldn't see the flames out the back - you only have small wing mirrors. Anyway, when the engine spluttered I knew it was bad. The brakes only worked briefly, which is why I steered into the barrier, it was the only thing I could do to scrub off speed. By this time the cockpit was full of smoke and I couldn't see anything and I still had to unhook the window net, release the belts and find the door handle. With that done I wasn't going to hang around.

It looks like debris (probably a piece of metal) went through the engine vent on the side and sliced trough the hoses. Nobody's fault, one of those deals. Feel sorry for all the guys who have worked so hard to get us here.

Thanks for all your comments, Rog"