Williams confirms manhole cover caused Barrichello crash

Williams has confirmed that a loose manhole cover caused Rubens Barrichello’s high speed crash during the recent Monaco grand prix.

With technical director Sam Michael initially diagnosing a rear suspension failure, Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport subsequently reported that an investigation showed that the left rear wheel was in fact damaged by a loose drain cover.

In a media statement, the British team has now confirmed that a manhole cover at turn two "was spun up and hit the rear left wheel, causing failure".

"This incident has been reported to the FIA," added Williams.