Wing Problem Caused Herbert Crash.

Johnny Herbert survived a 200mph accident in Saturday practice for the German Grand Prix, continuing his run of bad luck at Hockenheim.


The Stewart driver was pitched off the circuit approaching the Jim Clark chicane as his rear wing appeared to collapse under pressure. After the car had come to rest, however, it was noticeable that there was no damage to the wing, suggesting that it had merely flexed under load and, when this was released as Herbert spun, sprang back into shape


Despite the speed at which he was travelling when the incident occurred, Herbert was able to step out of the car unharmed, except for a sprained hand. Knowing that it happened at the same spot where the legendary Clark was killed in 1968 apparently crossed Herbert's mind as he fought to regain control of the car.


"That was exactly the spot where Jimmy's accident happened, and I was just bracing myself and waiting for the impact," a relieved Herbert said. "I was in top gear, on the limiter, when it happened, and I was worried that [the car] would get picked up be something. At that speed, it would be cart-wheeling along in a second.


"I've had a string of problems, but this is the worst," he continued, "I just don't know what is going on. I thought my luck had changed after things turned around at the last race, then I get a day like today."