Motor racing-Gasly thankful to be alive after Japanese GP scare

Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - October 9, 2022 AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly in action during the race REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) -Pierre Gasly blasted officials and said he could have died in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix after a recovery tractor was on the track while he was still lapping at speed in heavy rain and spray.

The race at Suzuka was red flagged after an initial safety car period but AlphaTauri's Gasly was still trying to catch up in heavy spray and poor visibility after pitting for a new front wing.