Defending Grand Prix of Denver winner Sebastien Bourdais of France said he had an easier time forgiving Newman/Haas Racing teammate Bruno Junqueira for last year’s first-turn altercation in Denver than forgetting the Brazilian’s accident at the Indianapolis 500 in May.
“That’s tough to forget,” Bourdais said of the wreck that will keep Junqueira, the 2002 and 2003 winner in Denver, from competing in Sunday’s fourth street race around the Pepsi Center.
Junqueira’s crash at Indy, caused from an errant move by IRL regular A.J. Foyt IV, sent Junqueira’s car hard into the turn four wall at more than 220 mph. Junqueira suffered several back fractures and a broken ankle. His car was so torn up, his legs were visible while he sat unconscious in the shredded cockpit.
“You’re in the car and you see the feet of your teammate from the cockpit. It’s very chilling,” Bourdais said. “They tell you he’s fine over the radio, but you obviously know he’s not fine.
“The chassis was destroyed, wide open. He was very lucky. If it had been me, my feet would be gone, because I’m 5 or 6 inches taller. The pedals were gone.”
The 5-foot-7 Junqueira said the accident will haunt others more than him.
“When you crash at 222 mph, it happens,” he said. “But I love racing. That’s my life. I know it’s dangerous. But I love it. I take the risk.”
He will be missed at Denver, by fans and fellow racers alike.
“We all wish Bruno was back,” said driver A.J. Allmendinger of Thornton. “He’s one of the strongest drivers in the series. At same time, it’s given another very good driver a chance.”
Oriol Servia has been Junqueira’s replacement, and a good one at that. The Spaniard has finished on the podium in five of six races and his lone result outside the top three was because of mechanical failure. Servia, who drove for Dale Coyne Racing in the first two races this season, is fourth in the standings.
“Oriol has struggled his whole career to get good equipment, and he’s done a lot with a little, especially with Dale Coyne last year,” Allmendinger said. “Now he’s up there every weekend as one of the guys to beat.”
Servia, 31, is enjoying his time with Champ Car’s premier team.
“I’m friends with Bruno. You don’t want to see anybody hurt, especially a friend,” he said. “But somebody had to take the seat, and he’s happy for me. I’ve been around for years with small-budget teams, so I’m enjoying every second I have with them. Luckily, results have come, too. I’m just having the best season of my career.”
Junqueira, 28, will watch Sunday’s race from a Newman/Haas pit stall or suite.
“It’s going to be hard to miss,” he said. “I’ve led all three races, and won the first two.
“I’m going for the team because of (sponsors). I’m going to support Newman/Haas team. I hope they can win the race again.”
Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-820-5454 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
