FIA official crashes F1 Renault car

(GMM) An official of F1's governing body FIA on Thursday had a high speed crash at the wheel of a contemporary grand prix car.

On the occasion of Renault's 'roadshow' event in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates' automobile club president Mohammed bin Sulayem – also FIA vice president for sport – shunted last year's R28 single seater.

On the main straight of the Dubai Autodrome, the car swung to the right under power and struck the concrete barrier, necessitating a visit for the 14-time Middle East rally champion to the medical centre.

Earlier, bin Sulayem had successfully driven the car on a closed road.

"Fortunately he was uninjured and the car will be taken back to be repaired," said a Renault spokesman.

In Dubai for the roadshow event is Fernando Alonso's teammate Nelson Piquet.