Webber fine after violent crash in 6h of Sao Paulo
Former Formula One driver Mark Webber has suffered a major crash in the 6 hours race of Sao Paulo, the last event of this year's World Endurance Championship.
Webber ran the final stint of the race in the #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid until he crashed head on into the concrete wall on the outside of the high speed turn 14 at Interlagos - the same circuit that hosts the Brazilian GP. It is unclear at the moment what exactly happened, but the incident also involved the #90 AF Corse Ferrari driven by Cressoni, suggesting they may have touched.
Webber was extracted from his car and driven to the medical centre for chek-ups. He is however fine, as confirmed by the Porsche Racing team, and himself with a thumbs up when lying on the stretcher. Cressoni was also reporting as being fine after the crash.
The race was subsequently neutralized by a safety car, requiring the racecars to queue up for the final 25 minutes. The race finished behind the safety car with Porsche's #14 of Neel Jani taking the team's first WEC victory, fulfilling Porsche's target at the beginning of the year.
Toyota Racing meanwhile were crowned constructors' champions of the 2014 WEC championship after finishing second and fourth at today's race.
The race was also the final one for Tom Kristensen. The 47 year old Dane announced his departure from motorsport earlier but managed to round off his career with a third place finish at Sao Paulo.
UPDATE 1-12-2014 Mark spent the night in a local hospital in São Paulo where he underwent further checks. He sustained bruising and concussion in the accident he suffered in Sunday’s six-hour race.
“I’m quite sore this morning and am pretty bruised and have got a stinking headache,” Mark said earlier today.
“I’ve got no recollection of the accident or how it happened – the team is looking into the details to find out more.
“Thanks to the medical team at the track and here at the hospital who did a great job and are looking after me very well. On a positive note it’s great that the boys in car no. 14 managed to bring home the victory which is a fantastic way to finish off the season. I’m already looking forward to getting out there again next year.”
Mark is still under care at the hospital but is set to return to the UK later this week.
UPDATE 1-12-2014 Porsche states that Mark Webber has been released from hospital
Yesterday I was a lucky boy. The correct angle of impact saved me. Thanks everybody for your incredible messages and support. #recovering😴
— Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) December 1, 2014
