Renault suspects fuel leak caused race car fire

SEPANG: Renault believes an issue with the fuel breather system is to blame for Kevin Magnussen's car catching fire during the first free practice session at the Sepang Circuit today.
A statement from Federation Internationale Automobile (FIA) said the Renault Sport F1 Team driver Magnussen had just completed his first installation lap and was being wheeled back into the Renault garage when flames erupted at the top of the engine cover.
He jumped clear and the team rapidly fought the flames, but with fuel continuing to leak, it took around 10 minutes to bring the situation fully under control, it said.
Renault technical director Nick Chester said early indications pointed to a build-up of pressure within the fuel tank that triggered the fire but he remains confident that Magnussen, who was uninjured in the incident, will be able to get out in the second free practice this afternoon.
"We had a fuel leak from a breather. It looks like the tank pressurised, but we will investigate. We were running the tank full and we were running some experimental parts really in preparation for Mexico, so different set-up to the other (team mate Jolyon Palmer's) car.
"Everyone's okay, that's the main thing. Fortunately, the car doesn't seem to be too badly damaged so we'll try and get it out for P2. There is obviously a fair bit of work to do, and a fair bit to clean, but we'll try to get him out for as much of the session as we can," said Chester. — Bernama