Race car driver David Richert of Niverville was able to survive a crash-filled race through the streets of Monte Carlo this past weekend at the Eurocup Formula Renault race in Monaco. Richert 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 included 15 different nationalities with Richert being the
lone Canadian. He began the race behind the safety car due to the amount of standing water on the circuit. After two laps, the cars were released 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, 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 with 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. 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", said Richert.

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. He notes, "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. I need to say a very big thank you to everyone who has taken part in making this possible”.