Brazilian Bruno Senna, nephew of the late triple Formula One world champion Ayrton, retired from a GP2 support race at the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday after hitting a stray dog that ran onto the track.

The safety car was deployed after two dogs appeared on the circuit during the race, some three hours before the grand prix was due to start. Senna, 24 years old and joint championship leader before the weekend, hit one of them.

The impact broke the car's front right suspension. The other dog escaped through an exit gate. The Brazilian, who had worked his way up to sixth place from 15th on the starting grid before the impact, made his anger evident when he returned to the pits.

Animals have proved a hazard to motor racing drivers over the years.

Britain's Anthony Davidson hit a groundhog during last year's Canadian Formula One Grand Prix while running in third place behind the safety car for Super Aguri and on course for his first points. His team folded last week.