GT1 lady driver recovering after high-speed crash

Abu Dhabi: Natacha Gachnang, the Matech Competition driver, who was involved in a high-speed crash during Friday’s GT1 World Championship's Qualifying round at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is recovering in Shaikh Khalifa Hospital after a successful operation.

Gachnang suffered a double compound fracture of her right leg and was operated upon at the hospital. The FIA Medical Delegate reported that the accident was not life-threatening and the Swiss driver’s condition is reported to be stable.

The incident took place during the first Qualifying session, at the end of the straight at Turn 8 of the Yas Marina Circuit, which is the fastest part of the circuit where the drivers are approaching at over 260 kmh. Gachnang is believed to have failed to negotiate the corner and went down the escape road, hitting the safety barriers.

In explaining the accident, the team said that at the braking point at the end of the straight, she started braking as normal. A leak was reported in the rear brake circuit which required Gachnang to press back hard on the brake, according to their explanation put out on the official website.

When putting pressure on the brake pedal Gachnang's foot also pressed the accelerator pedal. The front brake circuit continued to function correctly but the combination of factors led to Gachnang failing to negotiate the corner, the team confirmed.

It is unclear when Gachnang will return to the cockpit.

A TV cameraman was also injured while filming the event from Turn 8. The cameraman, Rob Hurdman from Greenlight Television, was hit by his camera, suffering a suspected broken nose. He was taken to the circuit Medical Centre for treatment and was taken to hospital by road ambulance for precautionary checks.

Qualifying results