FR3.5: Stoneman walks away from huge crash

GP3 runner-up Dean Stoneman escaped injury from a heavy accident on the opening day of Formula Renault 3.5 testing at Jerez on Thursday afternoon.

The Briton's DAMS car was reportedly destabilized by a strong gust of wind at the fast, left-hand, Turn 7 during the afternoon session.

Stoneman initially hit one wall, before sustaining a second heavier impact against another barrier that caused the car to spin several times and throw the gearbox clear of the car.

Stoneman spent 20 minutes in the Jerez medical center being checked over, before receiving the all-clear.

The accident occurred on lap 14 of a 20-lap run. Although Stoneman reported no after-effects from the crash, his physio has advised him to consume some sugary food to minimize possible delayed reactions caused by stress on the body.

Despite the spectacular nature of the shunt, Le Mans-based team DAMS believes the car is repairable. If replacement parts are on hand, Stoneman should run on Friday's second day of testing.

In the earlier morning session, Stoneman posted the third fastest time with 1m28.105s, behind fellow FR3.5 rookie Tio Ellinas at Strakka and pacesetter Roberto Merhi.

For close to an hour during the early part of the afternoon session, Stoneman rehearsed pitstops, something he has no previous experience of in his racing career, and also starts.

Ellinas was fastest overall in the opening test day, ahead of Oliver Rowland and Merhi.

Originally on Autosport.com