A Mini Driver Mistakenly Drove Onto Interlagos During A Race
Remember the guy who gatecrashed Brands Hatch in his VW Polo during a live race? Something similar has happened in Brazil, although in that case, it seems to have been done without the malicious intent.
As seen in the above video, the safety car was deployed during a Copa Mercedes race after a Mini pulled to the side of Interlagos Circuit. The driver, identified as 29-year-old publicist Renata Monti, quickly pulled over and stopped.
Although commentators reacted furiously and called for the driver to be arrested, it turned out Monti had been competing in a race on an adjacent drag strip and became lost following her run. Worryingly, she told UOL there were no cones, signs or staff to make it obvious she was about to enter a live race track.
The Mini looked to be well clear of competing cars at all times and was eventually escorted back to the car park for the drag event. The local motorsport governing body told UOL it “has already started an investigation process. Renata and the organizer of the side event should be invited to provide clarifications on the fact.”
Source: UOL, The Journal via Motor1
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Not the first time something like this has happened at Interlagos during a race. Happened to Kimi Raikkonen twice, first in 2001 and more famously in 2012. Seems like the track may have bad signage or is lacking logistically.
I don’t know why people get so testy with this stuff, if the mini pulled over immediately and was not in the way of anything it should just be something people laugh about. It was a mistake. Not something to be arrested over.