Fire breaks out in Williams garage

BARCELONA (AFP) –

Racing team crews try to extinguish a fire in the Williams racing pit stand at the Circuit de Catalunya on May 13, 2012 in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona after the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix. The fire broke out in the victorious Williams team garage on Sunday just hours after Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado had won the race.

A fire broke out in the victorious Williams team garage at the Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday just hours after Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado had won the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ambulances and fire fighters were called to the garage after what was reported to be a blaze started by a problem with one of the cars’ KERS (Kinetic Energy Regeneration Systems).

Members of other teams rushed to assist Williams in their battle with the fire.

One member of the Force India team, a mechanic, suffered smoke inhalation and a Williams mechanic suffer minor injuries. Both were treated a the circuit medial centre.

Force India deputy team chief Bob Fearnley said that his mechanic was not seriously hurt.

Williams were celebrating their first victory in eight years.