Saelens loses wheel on debut F1 run

Saelens, who drove for the European Minardi F3000 team this year, was given his first taste of Formula 1 machinery during the European Minardi day at the Italian circuit (click here for separate story) and was due to complete 12 laps.

However, on his 10th lap the right rear wheel of his PS01 comically overtook the car and bounced off the barrier high into the air, leaving the Belgian stranded at the side of the track with only three wheels on his wagon.

"I was just going along the back straight and suddenly the wheel overtook me," Saelens told Autosport.com. "I just spun off onto the grass at the chicane, but I was lucky not to hit anything."

Despite his bad luck, Saelens, who also drove a part season with Mercedes in the DTM this year, still managed to enjoy his debut F1 run and was convinced he could have gone faster on his remaining two laps.

"It was good. Really good," he enthused. "It was such a great feeling and much easier to drive than my F3000 car. I'm sure I would have been faster on the next lap. The power is OK and so is the steering, traction and downforce, but it is much harder to find the limit with the brakes. It reminds me of Formula 3, only faster. At least I can got to bed tonight knowing I have driven a Formula 1 car."

Saelens' short run did not contravene the current ban on Formula 1 testing as less than 50 km of running was completed and it comprised part of the Minardi celebration which included two-seater Formula 1 rides and a high-speed demonstration.