Habsburg Injured in Testing Crash; Could Miss Imola

Ferdinand Habsburg is at risk of missing the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Imola after sustaining a back injury from a crash during testing at Motorland Aragon.

The Alpine Hypercar driver currently sits seventh in the drivers’ championship standings alongside Charles Milesi and Paul-Loup Chatin, having been promoted in the wake of Cadillac’s recent disqualification from the Qatar 1812km.

An Alpine spokesperson confirmed to Sportscar365 that the Austrian racer was involved in a crash testing the Alpine A424 at Motorland Aragon late last month and suffered injuries as a result.

“On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, during the A424 test session in Motorland (Aragon), driver Ferdinand Habsburg had an accident at Turn 7,” a statement supplied by Alpine read.

“The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Ferdinand was taken to the hospital in Alcaniz for examinations and was discharged in the evening.

“The next day, he was repatriated to Austria, where he underwent further examinations. Ferdinand suffers from two fractured lumbar vertebrae, with no neurological impact.

“He is beginning his recovery, the duration of which has not yet been defined. It will determine its participation in the next round of the FIA WEC at Imola.

“Alpine gives Ferdinand its full support and wishes him the best and quickest recovery.”

The 6 Hours of Imola takes place on April 21. The French manufacturer has GT3 star Jules Gounon contracted as its Hypercar reserve driver, should Habsburg be deemed unfit to race in Italy.