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Major Accident for Duval Puts Practice Under Red Flag (Updated)

Heavy accident for Loic Duval puts Le Mans practice under red…

Photo: Eric Gilbert / Motorsport.com

Photo: Eric Gilbert / Motorsport.com

Wednesday’s four-hour Free Practice session has been halted just after the one-hour mark following a serious looking accident involving Loic Duval, in the No. 1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro, at the Porsche Curves.

The session has been red-flagged. Duval’s car, which he co-drives with Lucas di Grassi and Tom Kristensen, was second in the session with a best time of 3:24.729.

In an interview with Radio Le Mans, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich reported that Duval is awake and alert, and has been transported to the medical center.

An official post from Audi Sport, posted to its Twitter page, wrote: “Duval is alert. He will be transported from the Medical Center to the hospital for further examinations.”

Here is the official release from the ACO that just came through:

“At 17h05, today Wednesday 11 June, the No. 1 Audi left the track at very high speed at the Porsche Curves, at Marshals Post No. 131. The incident occurred during the free practice session for the 82nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Conscious, the driver was taken into the care of the ACO’s Medical Services, extracted from the car to an ambulance and then immediately transported to the Le Mans’ Centre Hospitaliter where he will undergo further examination.

“His condition is encouraging.

“The tests recommenced at 17h55.”

Just prior to 10 p.m. local time, Audi issued another update on Duval’s condition. It read, “Update on the accident involving Loic Duval. Examinations in the hospital of Le Mans have confirmed that the Audi driver is unhurt apart from two grazes to the skin. Audi Sport Team Joest tries everything to have the car with start number 1 ready and running in Thursday s qualifying.”

Tony DiZinno (@tonydizinno) is Sportscar365's North American Editor, focusing on coverage of the IMSA-sanctioned championships as well as Pirelli World Challenge. DiZinno also contributes to NBCSports.com and other motorsports outlets. Contact Tony

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