Matsuura on Probation

Matsuura lost control of his car while trying to go around the outside of Tomas Scheckter and spun in front of a pack of rivals - leading to a multiple pile-up that wrecked seven cars and left Danica Patrick in hospital with concussion

Jonathan Noble Mar 17, 2005, 2:23 PM

Japanese IndyCar star Kosuke Matsuura has been put on probation for irresponsible driving following the accident that marred the opening round of the Indy Racing League at Homestead two weeks ago.

And although Matsuura eventually confessed that it had been a genuine mistake on his part, IRL chiefs have decided that he will be put on probation for four events - starting at Phoenix this weekend - to ensure there is no repeat.

IRL president Brian Barnhart said: "It was clearly not a blatant case (of bad driving). This is a case of a guy using poor judgement, and the result of that is risking the health of other people and causing a lot of damage. He affected the event."

Matsuura's Super Aguri Fernandez Racing boss Tom Anderson said the team will abide by Barnhart's ruling.

Matsuura is no stranger to feeling the heat from series organisers. Last year he was put on a similar probation after hitting Dario Franchitti at Homestead and then having two incidents at Richmond.