This will remain the image of the first day of the Malaysian Grand Prix: Kevin Magnussen’s Renault catching fire in the pit lane! More fear than harm in the end, but a shortened program for the Dane who had a close call: We expected it to be hot in Sepang, but maybe not to this extent! My team was very efficient in containing the fire and getting the car back on track for FP2. As for me, I heard the order to get out on the radio, and I didn’t need to be told twice!<\/p>\n
Fortunately, the team identified the problem and found effective solutions to prevent this issue from happening again in the future: \u00ab There was a valve issue with a vent valve. Fuel leaked out and caused a fire. The team did an excellent job of keeping everything under control so we could address this issue. We have changed the fuel systems and do not expect any further problems, confirms Nick Chester, Renault’s technical director.<\/p>\n
The team was able to get its driver back on track for FP2, which represents a small feat: \u00ab In the afternoon, we were able to do a few laps. So it wasn’t a day to completely forget. With the initial setup, there’s a bit too much oversteer entering corners, but we know where we want to improve. \u00bb says Magnussen.<\/p>\n
His teammate, Jolyon Palmer, had a calmer and more studious day: \u00ab It was a pretty linear day on my side of the garage. I think all the action was focused on Kevin today. This morning, we had a few small moments pushing the limits on this new track surface, but it’s always very pleasant to drive on this circuit. We made decent progress for the afternoon, and we should be well-positioned to make further progress tomorrow. \u00bb<\/p>\n
\nDrama early on in the pit lane as MAG leaps from flames engulfing his car<\/p>\n
He has escaped unhurt #FP1<\/a> #MalaysiaGP<\/a> \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe pic.twitter.com\/aWKtt9HWZM<\/a><\/p>\n