Under a pounding deluge of rain, professional race car driver and Niverville native, David Richert, was able to survive a crash-filled race through the streets of Monte Carlo at this weekend’s Eurocup Formula Renault race in Monaco.
Intense rain during Richert’s race on Sunday.
Richert, who recently partnered with Casamigos (a tequila created by long-time friends George Clooney, Rande Gerber & Mike Meldman), was taking part in the Monaco Grand Prix weekend for the first time.
The weekend got off to a challenging start for Richert as his car suffered a mechanical issue in the only practice session of the weekend. A loose fuel pressure sensor not only caused havoc with the electronic systems but also caused gasoline to leak into the cockpit of the car and, although there was no fire, it left minor burns to Richert’s back-side forcing him to leap from the car midway through the session and rinse off with water.
After nothing but sunshine and warmth all weekend, race day on Sunday was filled with clouds as the skies eventually opened up with torrential rain. The field of 23 drivers from 15 different nationalities, Richert the lone Canadian, began the race behind the safety car due to the amount of standing water on the circuit.
After two laps the cars were releases and chaos immediately ensued as they began sliding their way around the street circuit. Heading out of the famous tunnel and down towards the harbour, a couple of cars collided into each other, only to be outdone by another driver crashing heavily into the Turn 1 tire barriers on the following lap. After another safety car to clean up the mess, the race once again resumed. However, just over halfway through the intense battle between the narrow barriers of the Monaco circuit, the race was ultimately stopped as several cars collided heavily into the wall.
Richert found himself finishing the rain soaked race in 17th position. After the race, a strange regulation forced Richert back to 20th as results were rolled back to one lap prior to all the on-track incidents therefore positioning Richert behind the cars which crashed, causing the race to end.
“I was very happy to stay out of trouble in these difficult conditions and having moved up to 16th or 17th on-track I was thrilled with the result,” said David Richert. “I’m still scratching my head as to the final posted results but it doesn’t do anything to dampen the pure joy of racing in such a famous setting here in Monaco.”
In surviving the race to the end, Richert joins a list of only 3 other Canadians who have successfully finished a race on the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. “I have had the chance to race in many awesome locations over the last few years but words cannot express the privilege of being able to compete here in Monaco,” said Richert. “I need to say a very big thank you to everyone who has taken part in making this possible.”
In addition to Casamigos, Richert has partnered with Silver Jeans Co, Diabolica Wines, Karma Property Management, Loewen and RR Dobel Insurance.
The Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1 race, which took place later yesterday afternoon, was won by 3-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton.
Richert’s next race will be July 1-3 at the historic Grand Prix circuit of Monza just outside of Milan, Italy.
