Terrifying crash suspends Macau Grand Prix as driver flies through the air
Crashes in motorsport are a regular occurrence, this one during the Macau Grand Prix however looked like something out of a movie.MacaN
NOVEMBER 19, 201812:02AM
The Macau Grand Prix was brought to a standstill during a Formula 3 race when German driver Sophia Floersch went flying through the air after a high-speed crash.
Floersch, only 17-years-old, lost control of her Van Amersfoort Racing car as she sped towards the tight right hand corner and slammed into the inside wall.
She then sped backwards towards the turn and after clipping the kerb, her car became airborne before she hit fellow driver Sho Tsuboi at incredible speed.
The result from the impact then launched her high into the air where she was catapulted into the debris fencing before her car smashed into a photographers bunker and landed back on its wheels.
The terrifying footage was captured from all angles by fans in attendance with the vision looking like something more out of a movie than an actual race.
After sitting in 16th place, Floersch reportedly hit the back of Jehan Daruvala on the straight before losing control.
The speed-trap had her tracking along at 276.2km/h before the braking area into the Lisboa corner.
Formula 3 #MacauGP suspended after 21yo German driver @SophiaFloersch involved in horrific airborne crash #7News
Ferrari junior driver Guan Yu Zhou, who was behind Floersch, explained how the unprecedented crash unfolded after the race.
“First of all it was such a scary moment,” Zhou said.
“Sophia was really close to Jehan, so when Jehan braked early she had no time to react.
“She hit Jehan’s right-rear, and that spun her around straight into Lisboa, and she flew into the other car.
“I just hope she’s OK.”
The moment Sophia was catapulted over Tsuboi’s car.Source:Supplied
Despite the enormous impact of the crash, the FIA confirmed Floersch was conscious and was transported to hospital.
“A serious incident has occurred on Lap 4 of the 2018 FIA F3 World Cup at Macau involving car #25 Sophia Florsch (GER),” the statement read.
“Following evaluation by medical staff, the driver is conscious and has subsequently been taken to hospital for further evaluation.”
Unfortunately the result of the crash ended with five people in total being taken to hospital with two drivers, two photographers and one track marshal.
An update from Macau officials after the race confirmed the up-and-coming driver had suffered a spinal fracture in the crash, but her vital signs were stable.
Official statement regarding @sophiafloersch's accident at the #MacauGP.
The unbelievable impact of the crash was captured from above the bend and slowed down to show the moment Floersch became airborne and clipped the barrier before her car was sent backwards into the bunker.
Reports indicate Tsuboi is suffering from lumbar pain. The track marshal, Chan Cha In, suffered a laceration of the face, abrasion of the upper abdomen wall and a fractured jaw.
Photographer Minami Hiroyuki suffered a concusion while fellow photographer Chan Weng Wang was diagnosed with a liver laceration. Both are being observed in hospital.
Floersch notified her fans following the race that she was “fine”, but was set for surgery on Monday morning (AEDT).
“Just wanted to let everybody know that I am fine but will be going into surgery tomorrow morning,” she tweeted.
“Thanks to the FIA, HWA AG Official and Mercedes AMG who are taking great care of me.
“Thanks to everybody for the supporting messages. Update soon.”
Just wanted to let everybody know that I am fine but will be going into Surgery tomorow morning. Thanks to the @fia and @hwaag_official @MercedesAMGF1 who are taking great care of me.
Thanks to everybody for the Supporting messages.
Update soon.
Team principal Frits van Amersfoort told Autosport: “We have to thank the angels she had with her today and for the fantastic strength of the Dallara car.”
Sorry to hear that @SophiaFloersch has a spinal fracture but looking at the horrific accident she had today in Macau it could have been so much worse. #getwellsoonSophia
Floersch is seen as one of the up-and-coming stars in Motorsports.
She previously raced in F4 — and made history in her debut race by becoming the first female to score points in an ADAC Formula 4 race.
She also broke records by becoming the youngest driver to win a Ginneta Junior Championship.
#Macau At the end of this video, she moves her hands in the cockpit.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Do6C…
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Just saw the F3 crash in Macau. Really hope to read some good news soon about all the people involved...
Macau GP officials confirm five people in total have been taken to hospital: two drivers, two photographers and one marshal #MacauGP
The race was immediately red flagged and delayed for more than one hour as the barrier was repaired and those injured were attended too.
After the race got back underway it was Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum who crossed the line first and claimed the checkered flag.
Ticktum’s victory makes it two years in a row he has claimed the win in Macau.
The impressive 19-year-old escaped the carnage behind him as he led the race from start to finish.
After the lengthy delay, Ticktum sped away from the field and claimed the win 1.2 seconds clear of his Motopark Academy teammate Joel Eriksson.
Renault Formula 1 junior driver Sacha Fenestraz took his place on the podium after he crossed the line in third spot.
A total of eight drivers all failed to finish thanks to several crashes throughout the race, but it was the horrific crash of Floersch that captured everyone’s attention.
The #MacauGP crash is a gut wrenching reminder of how dangerous Motorsport still is, and how close drivers are to the edge. Hoping @SophiaFloersch is ok, along with all marshalls & photographers. A horrifying incident.
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Had my heart in my mouth watching the @SophiaFloersch crash at Macau.
Hope all is ok
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