Could Kimi’s engine blow-up have been averted?

Ferrari’s engineers were aware of the potential risk to the engine on Raikkonen’s car at the European Grand Prix in Valencia

MUMBAI: The spectacular engine failure of Kimi Raikkonen at the European Grand Prix in Valencia may have shocked many but Ferrari engineers knew it was coming. According to a release on the Ferrari website, the engineers were aware of the potential risk with the 056 engine fitted to Raikkonen’s car.

Ferrari mechanics disassembled the engine on Monday and found out that Raikkonen’s engine suffered a failure because of breakage of con rod, a problem that had brought Felipe Massa’s race in Hungary to a premature end.

Despite being aware of the risks, Ferrari, however, defended the use of the engine which was on its second race after the Hungarian Grand Prix. In fact, Ferrari indirectly blamed the Valencia Street Circuit for its decision.

The release mentioned that “changing the engine on Raikkonen’s car would have seen the Finn start at the back of the grid where it appeared that overtaking was not possible.”

“It proves that it is not enough to bring F1 to a street circuit in a fantastic location to produce spectacular racing.”

Team principal Stefano Domenicali defended Raikkonen by saying that the team was fully behind the world champion. “The team would support Raikkonen during what is a difficult time.”

“Of course, it’s easy when things are going well. Everyone close to you puts their arms on your shoulders to say you are number one. But then suddenly, when you have a difficult situation, then they say this is finished. That’s not the case with Raikkonen.” Domenicali further added that the team trusted Kimi100 per cent.

“We don’t have any doubt about Kimi’s performances and I’m pretty sure he will come back between here and in Brazil,” he was quoted as saying on the Ferrari website.

Domenicali also defended the Finn despite his apparent mistake in moving prematurely when the fuel hose was still stuck to his car. “As an example of the team atmosphere, he (Kimi) said ‘I’m very sorry, I’m very sorry’ and it was not his fault.”