Carpentier unhurt in shunt

The accident happened after Carpentier's front wing failed on the 160mph approach to Turn Four. The wing had been damaged previously but the Forsythe team decided not to replace it. The wing folded under the car, pitching Carpentier into the wall on the left-hand side, the car then careered down an escape road before coming to rest metres away from the Champ Car safety team.

Carpentier suffered a brief loss of consciousness in the accident, and was taken to the Gold Coast Hospital for precautionary tests. A CT scan revealed no injuries but it was decided he should be held overnight for observation.

"Obviously we were aware of the damage to the front wing and that it was waving around," said Forsythe's Neil Micklewright. "Subsequent to a discussion that included driver Patrick Carpentier, the decision was made to made to continue the race in the hope that the wing would stay in place.

"Given Patrick's position in the championship standings and the number of points at stake, the team, along with Patrick, felt this was the correct course of action. The most important thing is that Patrick is okay and for that we are all happy and grateful."