MARCUS GETS 200MPH LUCKY BREAK

MARCUS ERICSSON walked away unscathed from a horror high-speed smash at Formula One’s fastest track.

Braking from over 200mph down Monza’s main straight for the 60mph first corner, Ericsson’s Sauber veered violently to the left and smacked the barriers nose first (above).

The force of the impact sent the Swede’s machine into two spins, before it dug into the grass and flipped into three airborne barrel rolls.

With yesterday’s afternoon practice session barely underway, the grandstands held their breath as what was left of Ericsson’s car came to rest right side up. And a thumbs up from the cockpit brought a loud round of applause from stunned F1 fans.

Ericsson (inset) said: “It was a big one but I’m all fine. The safety of the cars is incredible. Hopefully, tomorrow we should be back fighting and I look forward to that.”

Sebastian Vettel ended the day top of the pile ahead of Ferrari pal Kimi Raikkonen.

Lewis Hamilton’s best effort was good enough for third.

Hamilton holds a 17-point championship lead over Vettel but did not attempt to hide the fact the balance of power has shifted back in Ferrari’s favour.

“We’re all working flat out right now in every part of the team,” said the Mercedes star. “But we can see some deficits.”