F3 teen driver hurt in ‘flying’ crash at Macau GP

MACAU: Germany’s 17-year-old Formula Three driver Sophia Floersch ( pix) was injured following an accident at the Macau Grand Prix yesterday.

The Van Amersfoort Racing driver l ost control going into the Lisboa Bend and hit a kerb. Her car launched into the air and clipped another car before flying over the barriers and crashing backwards into a photographers’ bunker and catching fences.

Federation Internationale de l’Automobile said in a statement: “A serious incident occurred in Lap 4 involving car #25 Sophia Floersch (GER).

“After evaluation by medical staff, the driver was conscious and taken to hospital.”

Race organisers said four others were also hospitalised.

Japanese driver Sho Tsuboi, whose car Floersch contacted, s uffered back pain while photographer Minami Hiroyuki had a concussion and marshal Chan Cha In suffered a fractured facial bone and cuts.

Another photographer, Chan Weng Wang, was warded for internal injuries.

Pole-sitter Daniel Ticktum was leading when t he accident occurred. The race was red-flagged and restarted an hour later. A medical bulletin l ater revealed Floersch sustained a spinal fracture, and that she would remain i n Conde S. Januario General Hospital for further observation.

“Just wanted to let everybody know I am fine but will be going into surgery tomorrow morning,” Floersch wrote on Twitter.

“Thanks to the @ fia and @ hwaag_official @ MercedesAMGF1 who are taking great care of me. Thanks to everybody for the supporting messages.” – Agencies