Estre “Didn’t Know Where to Go” in Opening Hour Accident

Photo: Porsche

Kevin Estre said he “didn’t know where to go” after Jack Aitken’s spin and crash that ultimately triggered a massive four-car accident in the opening hour of the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.

The Frenchman in the No. 21 Rutronik Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R escaped injury in the high-speed shunt at Raidillon that also collected the No. 163 Emil Frey Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo of Franck Perera and Davide Rigon’s No. 71 Iron Lynx Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020.

Both Aitken and Rigon have been transported to a hospital with “non life-threatening” injuries according to a SRO Motorsports Group spokesperson.

The Lap 10 accident brought out a lengthy Full Course Yellow period for track cleanup.

“I took the start,” Estre explained. “We were following each other quite closely. I was behind Nick Tandy and down in Eau Rouge he lost the car a little bit on entry, so he went wide a little bit on the left side.

“There was the Ferrari just in front of him on the normal racing line. I was also on the racing line.

“And then suddenly I saw a lot of smoke and debris in front of me over the crest. I braked.

“I didn’t really know where to go because I couldn’t really see if there was a car stopped or anything. I just saw debris and smoke. I stayed on my line, but then apparently I hit the Lamborghini from Jack Aitken on the right side.

“[It was] quite a big hit, which spun me and brought me into the barrier. Nick could pass on the left side.

“And then there was Perera who was just behind Aitken with the other Lamborghini, which hit him basically. And brought him into me. I think that’s how it happened, but I’m not sure yet.

“I couldn’t really see. We have to wait for the onboard. I could get out of the car.

“I’m feeling good, and Franck Perera as well. We were both out of the medical center together OK. I know that Davide Rigon and Aitken were brought to the hospital.”

All four cars have been retired after each sustaining extensive damage, the most coming to Aitken’s Lamborghini.

John Dagys

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