Luke Browning Escapes Suzuka Crash Unharmed in Rain
British driver Luke Browning escaped unharmed from a dramatic high-speed crash during preseason testing for Japan's Super Formula championship at Suzuka Circuit this week. The 24-year-old, serving as reserve driver for the Williams Formula 1 team, lost control of his Kondo Racing car in heavy rain on Wednesday, spinning into the gravel at the notorious 130R corner before tumbling over the tire barrier and landing upside down on the embankment.
The incident occurred during a push lap as torrential downpours turned the track slick, causing Browning's Toyota-powered machine to aquaplane. Onboard footage captured the sudden oversteer, with the rear of the car striking the barriers first, launching it airborne over the protective fencing. Marshals assisted Browning from the wreckage, and he walked away without apparent injury, later confirming he felt no pain.
"It was just a push lap," Browning said afterward. "A bit of an unfortunate crash, just aquaplaned unfortunately when the rain came down. So I was a little bit of a passenger at that point. I think in hindsight I would have pitted when the rain came down so hard. These lessons you learn, it's all about learning over here. And...