Injured HRT Mechanic, Stable after Pit Incident

Hispania Racing doesn't seem to have much luck during its first season in Formula One. Aside their poor performances on track this year, the Spanish team will likely have to replace one of its mechanics for the following few races. And that's because their radio mechanic was hit hard by Sakon Yamamoto's car during the Japanese's pit stop on Sunday.

During the race, the news emerged that one of the HRT mechanics has been hurt in a pit incident and was immediately taken to the hospital. His medical condition was not disclosed at the time, but the media managed to find out that the name of the mechanic was Marcel, his nationality was German and his job during Yamamoto's pit stop was to adjust the Japanese driver's radio.

Video footage after the race showed that the lollipop man released Yamamoto too early, causing the driver to his Marcel and throw him violently onto the ground.

“The situation is under control and we are waiting for more information,” said the Spanish team shortly after, while adding that their employee never lost consciousness after he was hit. After the race, the team's reserve driver Karun Chandhok went personally to the circuit's medical center to check up on the German mechanic. The news were good.

“Marcel the radio man is talking and stable awaiting more scans,” said the Indian driver, according to a report from the GMM news agency.

Following his pit stop on Lap 22, the Japanese driver went on to finish the race in 19th place, some 2 laps behind winner Fernando Alonso. The other HRT driver, Brazilian racer Bruno Senna, had to settle for an 11-lap run at Monza, as his car suffered a hydraulic issue early in the race.