A manhole cover caused Barrichello's accident

Williams has confirmed that a failed manhole cover caused Rubens Barrichello's accident during the Monaco Grand Prix which took place two weeks ago. Team technical director Sam Michael initially claimed the problem was in the suspension but German publication Auto Motor und Sport later reported that an investigation revealed the left rear wheel had been damaged due to a loose manhole cover .

Via a press release, the British team confirmed that a manhole cover at the second corner “had given way and hit the left rear wheel causing the failure.”

“The accident has been reported to the FIA,” reads the statement.

Andre' Cotta