JAMES COURTNEY had a lucky escape after his Ford Mustang burst into flames while in the pit lane at Albert Park.
The V8 supercar driver spotted the flames as he rounded the final two turns in Melbourne, leading him to take the car to the pit.
As he entered the pit lane, the flames started to grow and in a short time, the car was engulfed in the fire.
Luckily the 42-year-old managed to exit the car as black smoke could be seen bellowing away from it.
The crew were quick to their feet with fire extinguishers to try and contain the fire.
Despite the terrifying moment, the Tickford Racing driver seemed fairly calm as he spoke to the media afterwards.
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He told Fox Motorsport: “I saw the flames and said to the guys I could smell something from the front left corner.
“Then I could see the flames. I just tried to get to the pits.
“They’ve got all the fire stuff to try and save the car.”
The reporter then pointed out that the incident is similar to Nick Percat’s Ford Mustang also suffered the same fate the day before.
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Courtney said: “Seems like it is the same spot, so yeah, it is not good.”
Percat was forced to retire from the Supersprint race on Friday and afterwards revealed the moment he was shocked to discover the fire.
He told Fox Sports: “I know what I have on clothing wise I’m going to be safe, I don’t know what happened.
“I thought I could smell something down the back straight, maybe the exhaust or something.
“Next thing I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I’m on fire’.”
The incidents have happened just a day before the Australian Grand Prix.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
