Aleshin ruled out of Istanbul event

Mikhail Aleshin will not contest the remainder of this weekend’s GP2 event in Istanbul, having fractured a metacarpal in his left hand during an accident in qualifying. His team mate Max Chilton qualified 10th for the first race of the season tomorrow.

Aleshin suffered a heavy impact after hitting the barriers during qualifying this afternoon, injuring metacarpal in both hands, with his left hand suffering a small fracture. The injury means that Aleshin will not be able race in rounds one and two of the 2011GP2 Series this weekend.

Following the withdrawal of his team mate, Chilton will be the only Carlin driver on the GP2 grid this weekend, and will line-up in a competitive 10th place following strong practice and qualifying sessions today.

Speaking about the incident, Aleshin said, “I braked in my normal place in corner 12, but the car didn’t stop. The team are investigating now what the problem may have been. Obviously I am very disappointed not to be able to race this weekend and sorry that I couldn’t score any points for the team.”

Racing Director Trevor Carlin is disappointed that Aleshin will not be on the grid this weekend, but is primarily concerned with the well being of the team’s driver.

“Obviously our first concern is Mikhail, and it is a great shame for him that he will not be able to race this weekend. Mikhail is helping us understand the problem and despite his injury has stayed at the circuit to help the team with feedback and our set-up for the first race tomorrow. We expect him to make a speedy recovery.”