FIA Assist Indycar in Examining Wheldon’s Death

IndyCar Series have taken help from Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in a bid to investigate the accident that led to the death of British driver Dan Wheldon in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Wheldon died after a 15-car crash at the 1.5-mile oval, which was hosting its first IndyCar event for 11 years.

As well as the FIA, the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States is involved in the probe.

IndyCar announced on Tuesday that it hopes to be able to announce its initial findings into the reasons behind the multi-car crash that occurred on the 11th lap of the race, causing several cars to become airborne.

A statement from the IndyCar series organisers, read: “The safety of our drivers, their crews, IndyCar staff, racetrack staff and spectators is always our paramount concern.

“As part of our standard safety protocol, a full investigation has been launched by IndyCar, with assistance from the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS) and Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the national and international governing organisation, to determine the factors involved in this accident.

“We hope to have preliminary findings to report within the next several weeks. In the meantime, it would be inappropriate to comment further until the investigative team has had the opportunity to conclude its work.”

IndyCar has also cancelled the two-day test the Ganassi team was scheduled to run with the 2012 Dallara at Las Vegas this week, which Dario Franchitti was scheduled to take part in.

Franchitti’s wife Ashley Judd tweeted: “I appreciate @IndyCar canceling my husband’s test at Las Vegas track. The new car needs development – but not now, and never again there.”

A memorial service for Wheldon, who was 33, will be held on October 23 in downtown Indianapolis.