Brazil runs race simulation

In preparation for the Brazilian Grand Prix next weekend over 400 personnel involved in the organization of the event underwent a race simulation at the Interlagos circuit recently. The simulation included several accidents and was run to a program developed by the director of the GP, Carlos Montagner. Staged accidents involved the need for an ambulance to arrive on the track, administration of first aid, transfer to the medical centre and a transfer of the 'injured' to the Sao Luiz-Morumbi hospital by helicopter. 12 Formula Junior cars were also used for a short simulation race.

"We will do everything with a lot of calm and at a slow pace, also in order to remove equipment currently accumulating on the track because of some improvement work done to the circuit," said Montagner. "We will simulate everything that we deem possible, any 'accident' that could interrupt the race."

One of the reenactments was the situation that happened last year when the Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello stopped on the track at the exit of the pit lane. The Brazilian GP is on March 31st and will be Montagner's seventh year as race director. He started out in 1974 as a track steward at the event, went on to become a pit lane steward, technical commissioner and then sporting director.