The opening Formula 2 action at the new Madrid street circuit was interrupted by a dramatic crash involving Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, with a heavy impact triggering a red flag after his car caught fire during the practice session.
Following the conclusion of the Formula 3 practice session, Formula 2 drivers took to the newly introduced Madrid circuit for their first opportunity to experience the layout ahead of qualifying. However, the session was halted just minutes after it began following a frightening accident at Turn 19.
Inthraphuvasak lost control of his car and spun before hitting the barriers heavily with the rear of the car first. The impact caused significant damage, and the car immediately burst into flames after the fuel system was compromised.
The Thai driver was able to quickly escape from the cockpit unharmed, but marshals required several minutes to fully extinguish the fire. The incident forced race officials to suspend the session with a red flag while recovery crews worked to remove the damaged car and clean the track surface.
The clean-up operation lasted around 24 minutes, creating additional pressure for F2 drivers who had only this single practice session available to fine-tune their setups before qualifying later in the day.
The session eventually resumed with only six minutes remaining on the clock, giving drivers limited time to complete final preparations and gather data on the challenging new circuit.
Inthraphuvasak’s crash marked the second red flag incident at the Madring circuit on the same day. Earlier, Formula 3 driver Nicola Lacorte also brought out the red flag after crashing into the barriers at the end of the F3 practice session.
The incidents highlighted the demanding nature of Madrid’s new racing venue, where drivers are facing a completely unfamiliar track layout with little time to adapt before competitive sessions begin.
The dramatic opening of the Madrid weekend shows exactly why new circuits can create unpredictable moments in motorsport. With limited practice time and a completely new layout, even experienced young drivers can quickly find themselves beyond the limit. The challenge for F2 and F3 drivers will be balancing aggression with precision on a circuit where every mistake can come with major consequences.
Adhe is part of the 88 Eight Box Editorial Team, covering JDM culture, motorsport, automotive technology, and industry news. The team focuses on delivering original automotive stories, reviews, and insights for enthusiasts worldwide.
