The outcome of the competition remained uncertain until the final kilometers. During the last speed section, approximately eight kilometers from the official finish line, the crew operating the vehicle experienced a significant mechanical failure, noting that the clutch was no longer functioning. Despite the issue, the team proceeded to reach the speed section finish, where they had initially recorded a preliminary result.
Immediately upon crossing the finish line, the Toyota Hilux began emitting smoke and subsequently caught fire. The crew was forced to manage the situation and extinguish the blaze immediately. Speaking about the incident, a team member stated that the initial realization of the clutch failure signaled a major problem, yet the immediate objective was to reach the finish line.
They added that the team’s prior experience proved crucial during the emergency. “When the clutch failed, we knew there was a serious issue, but our immediate goal was to cross the finish line,” the crew member recounted. “As soon as we crossed, the smoke started pouring out.
Fortunately, we had previous experience with a similar incident last year in Hungary. We knew exactly where the fire source was and the correct procedure for extinguishing it.”
The team credited their preparedness and the presence of personnel near the finish area for mitigating what could have been a more severe emergency involving the car. The successful management of the fire allowed the team to complete the required segment of the race.
Topics: #fire #finish #car
