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Accident analysis
I was just looking at my tape of the first-corner accident in Melbourne, to see as best I could the sequence of events. I thought I'd post it here to see if anyone has a different or better impression of it...
As far as the triggering incident, I don't think there's much I can add to what others have written in this forum, save to mention that the collision happened at about 70 m. before the corner (20 m. before the 50 m. placard, i.e.) -- suggesting that Ralf had every chance of braking for the first turn, contrary to some arguments.
So Ralf and Rubens are off into the blue; David burns his front right tire as he brakes radically for the turn, but makes it. M.S. goes off to the left and threads his way across the grass, while Raikkonen simultaneously goes off at a tangent, pursuing Rubens deep into the trap -- from which he emerges quite some time later, sending some track marshals scurrying. Immediately behind, Fisichella and Massa are side-by side and showing every sign of making it through the turn when Heidfeld comes off the grass at the apex, slams into the side of Fisi and slams him into Massa. Massa is pushed sideways. As he tries to get past, Button hits Heidfeld and wipes off the side of his car, whereupon Panis hits Button. McNish spins but as far as I could see hits no-one, but stalls. Then everyone else makes their way past in train.
That's what I've got so far. It really was unfortunate that poor Heidfeld took the grass, because if he'd just braked enough to get through the turn, most of this wouldn't have happened, as far as I can tell.
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