Dan Clarke banned from Belgian Grand Prix

Following an incident in this morning’s practice session, British driver Dan Clarke has been barred from participating in this weekend’s Champ Car Grand Prix of Belgium. Champ Car Race Director Tony Cotman will make a decision one week from today as to Clarke’s status for next week's Assen event in the Netherlands - the Bavaria Beer Champ Car Grand Prix of Holland Presented by Audi, Hertz, Gent and Pioneer.

On the opening lap of practice today at Zolder, Clarke and Wilson made contact. Wilson subsequently collided with local Belgian driver Jan Heylen as a result of the initial contact with Clarke.

Heylen's car was extensively damaged - forcing the Conquest Racing driver out of today's first qualifying session.

“This morning’s incident was totally unacceptable and completely avoidable,” said Cotman.

“Dan was already on probation after previous incidents in San Jose which helped lead me to my decision today.

"After the weekend is complete and I have a time to review the incident without the raw emotion of the moment, I will make a decision as to any further penalties against Clarke.”

The Yorkshireman is coming off of his career best Champ Car result, finishing second at Road America in the last event.

Clarke's probation resulted from an incident at the recent San Jose Grand Prix where he collided with fellow Brits, Justin Wilson and Katherine Legge.

Clarke has made 24 starts in his Champ Car career, finishing on the podium twice and earning one career pole position.