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Intercontinental GT Challenge

Aitken Sustains Multiple Injuries in Raidillon Accident

Jack Aitken sustains broken collarbone, fractured vertebrae, lung contusion in accident…

Photo: Jack Aitken IG

Jack Aitken has sustained multiple injuries in Saturday’s opening-hour accident in the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.

The British-Korean driver was transported to a hospital following the heavy crash involving four cars at Raidillon, including his No. 114 Emil Frey Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo.

According to a statement from SRO Motorsports Group, Aitken sustained a broken collarbone, fractured vertebrae and small lung contusion from the high-speed crash.

The Williams F1 reserve driver is understood to still be in the hospital undergoing treatment.

“First of all, thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last several hours, from the marshals, medical staff trackside and at the hospital, my wonderful team, fellow drivers and all of you sending messages,” said Aitken in a statement.

“All things considered I feel fine, and quite lucky.

“I’m also sorry for my teammates that we didn’t get to compete, and for the other cars involved.

“The aim now is to get back to the UK and start to recover as best as possible and be back in the car soon. I’m sure with the people around me I’ll manage it just fine!”

Davide Rigon, meanwhile, has been released from the hospital, wearing a back brace, after being transported for precautionary scans.

The Italian driver  has since returned to the circuit to support his Iron Lynx crew.

“It was a very big crash,” said Rigon. “I was not able to avoid the accident. I was coming from the back and was a passenger of the car.

“It was a big one but I’m already out of the hospital… I hope to be back on track soon”

Both Kevin Estre and Franck Perera, the two other drivers involved in the accident, were evaluated and released from the Spa-Francorchamps medical center.

Full details of the accident are still unclear, although footage captured by a fan depicted that Aitken ran wide at Eau Rouge before getting turned around after contact with the barriers.

He was then hit by teammate Perera, with debris causing Rigon and Estre to crash into the barriers on drivers’ right.

In an interview, Estre said he “didn’t know where to go” amid the carnage.

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

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