Alonso's and Ralf's Accidents Caused by Debris

Renault's Fernando Alonso and Williams's Ralf Schumacher both crashed out of yesterday's US Grand Prix due to a puncture that was caused by debris on track, Michelin said today.

Alonso crashed at the end of the start/finish straight on the ninth lap of the race, having been in third position. Schumacher crashed at the final corner before the start/finish straight and hit the wall heavily. He was taken to hospital with bruises and back pains.

Williams and Michelin each investigated the cause for these accidents, and Williams today confirmed Schumacher's accident, which at first appeared to be a result of a rear suspension failure, was due to a punctured tyre.

Michelin's Motorsport Director, Pierre Dupasquier, added that both Schumacher's and Alonso's accidents were caused by debris that remained on track from the first corner accident that involved four cars.

"As far as the two accidents early in the race are concerned, Fernando Alonso and Ralf Schumacher suffered deflated right and left rear tyres respectively," said Dupasquier. "We have examined the tyres and it is clear that both were damaged by debris that had been picked up from the track, probably in the wake of the multiple pile-up at the first corner."

Schumacher remains in hospital for further checks, as a precaution.