As a rushing marshall tried to put out the blaze, a small explosion occurred. Later it turned out to be a popping tire.
Latifi’s Williams car was badly damaged by the fire. It is unclear whether the car can be repaired Friday.
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Latifi had completed 12 laps at the time of the accident, with over two hours remaining in the morning session. With his time of 1.39.845, he was the slowest man on the track at the time.
Alpine rider Esteban Ocon topped the time list thanks to a lap of 1,34.276. World champion Max Verstappen came in 26 laps to a time of 1.35.874 and thus took third place.