Andrea Bruno Diodato, the photographer injured by Sergio Perez’s crash at the Monaco Grand Prix, has spoken out about his health status, explaining that his only current pain was a ‘bruise’ and that there were ‘no serious consequences’ for him.
Diodato was positioned behind the barrier at Beau Rivage corner and as the cars shot past on the opening lap, he had an excellent view. However, when Kevin Magnussen tagged Perez from the right, he sent both cars careening towards the photographers at high speed.
Perez’s car made heavy contact with the outside barrier, causing monumental damage to his RB20 and scattering debris across the track and through the catch fencing towards the photographers and marshalls. They jumped back and ducked for cover, but Diodato was still struck.
Speaking to Sky Italia about the incident, he said: “My work sometimes teaches us to listen even before seeing certain situations. And so in those moments: after a Sauber passed by, the uniform noise as the cars passed was as if it had stopped for a moment and I understood that something was about to happen. Then the collision.
“There were about ten of us, now I only have a bruise after the impact. Those who suffered the most damage may have thrown themselves to the ground to take cover. No serious consequences.
“I was there because I used a wide-angle lens for the start. I wanted to show a bit of the surrounding context, so the city, the details of the track and the huge number of cars. In short, it was an interesting part to work in.”
Despite the personal cost, Diodato harbours no resentment for either Magnussen or Perez. “If I put myself in the driver’s shoes, I must say that in a certain sense, I understand Magnussen,” he added.
“In a race where it is very difficult to overtake, perhaps in that situation, he saw the only glimmer of opportunity to succeed. I don’t feel like accusing or condemning him.”
Diodato’s near-miss hasn’t spooked him, and he continues to pursue his photography career. “No, no fear,” he said. “So much so that I immediately returned to the track and will also be on track [this] weekend at Mugello for the MotoGP.
“In Monaco, there is no safety problem. I know that circuit well and if there were no serious consequences after the impact it is also because the guardrails are very solid, as are the posts in the asphalt. I think that track offers many more certainties when compared to others and other situations.
“I’m thinking for example of the accident involving Zhou [Guanyu] at Silverstone in 2022. Maybe the show isn’t exciting on the track, but the safety standards are high. And in any case, we are all aware that there is a risk in doing this job.”
