F1: Grosjean Cleared To Drive After Food Poisoning

Formula 1

F1: Grosjean Cleared To Drive After Food Poisoning

Romain Grosjean was cleared Friday to drive in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix, then promptly spun in the now infamous Turn 17...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted September 25, 2009 Singapore (SGP)

Romain Grosjean was cleared to drive Friday after suffering a bout of food poisoning. In the first practice session however he spun in the now infamous Turn 17. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Romain Grosjean was cleared Friday to drive in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix, then promptly spun in the same corner where his predecessor intentionally crashed during last years event sparking a controversy that continues to haunt the Renault F1 team.

After a brief appearance at the Marina Bay circuit Thursday, the French-Swiss returned to his hotel to recover from a bout of food poisoning.

Renault team reserve Lucas di Grassi was put on standby, performing the 'five second' cockpit extrication test in the garage.

Ultimately however Grosjean felt better Friday, and was in the R29 for the practice sessions.

In a bit of an ironic twist though, Grosjean spun early in the first practice bringing out a red flag. Grosjean, who replaced driver Nelson Piquet Jr. spun the car coming out of Turn 17, which happens to be the same corner where Piquet Jr. crashed during last year’s event. Because of the location of the turn, a crane can’t be positioned near the site. Friday Grosjean’s spin forced a red flag; in 2008 Piquet’s crash brought a safety car, which ultimately gave the win to teammate Fernando Alonso.

Monday the World Motor Sport Council confirmed that Piquet’s crash was intentional and placed the Renault F1 team on a two year ‘suspended’ ban, along with sanctions against former managers Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds.

The fallout continued Friday as the logos of ING and Mutua Madrilena had been removed from the team's cars and equipment overnight, although there was not time to alter things like team clothing and press paper, which still bears the names of the departed sponsors.

Watch The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix Live! Sunday at 7:30 am Eastern on SPEED!

F1 RaceCast Online Now! Follow Formula One live online timing & scoring, practice, qualifying, race coverage, commentary and more on SPEEDtv.com!