Share

Teen driver who survived horror Formula 3 crash vows to race again

A 17-year-old racing driver who fractured her spine in a horrifying crash at the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix has vowed to return to the sport after surviving surgery lasting nearly half a day.

German Sophia Floersch flew off the track on Sunday, hurtling into marshals and photographers, before being rushed to a Macau hospital in a stable condition.

"I survived the operation which took 11 hours. Hope from now on it only gets better," she wrote in a Facebook post on her official account late Tuesday.

11-hour long surgery

"I'm going to come back!" she added.

Floersch said she had to stay "a few more days" in Macau until it is possible to transport her elsewhere.

She thanked the medical staff who treated her as well as the people who helped at the scene of the crash for their "encouraging, calming words in these tough minutes in my car".

Dramatic footage captured gasps from the crowd as the Van Amersfoort Racing driver's car flew through the air and into safety netting at the Guia Circuit's Lisboa bend, a sharp right-hander.

Running 16th, she lost control in a contact down the straight, launched off a kerb and bounced off Tsuboi's TOM's Racing car.

"My thoughts are also with everyone who was involved in the accident. I hope everybody is healthy," Floersch said in her post.

FIA to investigate crash

The International Motoring Federation (FIA) has said it will investigate the crash.

At least three people have died on the Macau Grand Prix circuit.

British rider Daniel Hegarty died last year after hitting a barrier at Fisherman's Bend during the Macau Grand Prix's feature motorcycle race.

In 2012, Portuguese motorcyclist Luis Carreira and Hong Kong driver Phillip Yau were killed within two days of each other during the Macau Grand Prix.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()