Christijan Albers' pit stop at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix was just one of many extraordinary events that happened during the course of the race, and marked the second Minardi pit fire in as many years.

Mid race, Albers came in for his stop, but overshot his garage. The fuel hose had to be stretched a little further than normal, and in doing to resulted in a small leak, and an instant ignition.

Fortunately damage to car and driver was virtually non existent, and unlike Gianmaria Bruni at the 2004 Italian Grand Prix, Albers did not inhale any fumes, and was able to hop back into his car, and finish the race, albeit in last place and four laps down.

"I was having a really good battle with the Jordans and had a faster car, but unfortunately, I made a mistake when I overshot the marks during my second pit stop. That led to a refuelling problem and the fire, which effectively put paid to my race. Apologies to the team, and in particular, to the front jack man, Sandro Parrini, and the refuellers." said Albers.

The events of Suzuka 2005 are shown below:

Please remember to check back after every Grand Prix to read our in-depth race reports!

Our Partners