Dog day afternoon for Senna

Motor Sport : Bruno Senna was today involved in one of the most bizarre accidents ever witnessed at a motor-racing circuit.

Senna, nephew of legendary three-time world champion Ayrton, hit a dog that had strayed onto the Istanbul Park track during the second GP2 Series race of the Turkish Grand Prix weekend.

The dog, one of two that had evaded marshals and made its way onto the circuit, narrowly avoided being struck by current championship leader Giorgio Pantano of Italy.

But seconds later Senna, who was running sixth at the time at the midway point of the 23-lap race, was unable to avoid a collision, killing the animal on impact.

The accident resulted in the Brazilian sustaining severe damage to his front-right suspension, forcing him to limp back to the pits and ultimately out of the race.

The 24-year-old, who drives for Team iSport International, was outraged and made his feelings known to his pit crew before storming off.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is certain to ask serious questions relating to security as he owns the circuit and promotes the Turkish Grand Prix.

© 2008 The Irish Times