The tramway, the cause of Webber’s abandonment in Singapore

A new Grand Prix, new events, and Singapore, last weekend, was no exception to the rule. That’s how Mark Webber in his Red Bull Renault fell victim to an extraordinary race incident. His retirement was reportedly caused by the Tramway…

Starting on the grid in 13th position after mediocre qualifications, the Australian was able to benefit from the entry of the safety car to unexpectedly take second position midway through the race, behind Fernando Alonso.

Mark Webber was heading straight for a podium, his second of the season, before he was abruptly halted on lap 30 by a mechanical problem that the team found difficult to understand.

The Red Bull RB4 indeed selected two gears at once in turn number 13; 6th and 7th gear. Software usually prevents this kind of situation, but it seemed at that moment that no computer systems were functioning in the Australian’s car.

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, clarified the situation today. « We are certain of one thing, the retirement was caused by the simultaneous change of two gear ratios. »

« Nevertheless, we collected all the necessary data after the race, and nothing in our systems allows for such an error. » continues the Austrian.

For Horner, the only plausible explanation would therefore be the tramway. A line indeed passes through a tunnel, just below turn number 13. The passing of the tram could have generated enough static electricity to prevent the Red Bull software from functioning properly.

« It might well be that a tram was passing at the exact moment when Mark Webber was changing gears. »

Toro Rosso had stated on Friday, during the free practice sessions, that they were experiencing a similar problem. Sébastien Bourdais had then been immobilized in the paddocks for an hour.

Webber’s problem during the race on lap number 30 had then stuck his gearbox in 2nd gear, forcing him to limp back to the pits.