F2 drivers hospitalised after frightening crash

Ewan Gale
Sunday 5 December 2021 16:17 - Updated: 16:20

F2 drivers Théo Pourchaire and Enzo Fittipaldi have been transferred to hospital after a frightening incident at the start of the Saudi Arabian feature race.

Sauber Academy driver Pourchaire started third but stalled on the grid, with Fittipaldi, who started down in 18th, colliding with the rear of the stationary ART Grand Prix car with a 72g impact.

A lengthy delay ensued whilst the drivers were attended to by emergency and medical crews and the track cleared of debris.

An FIA statement read: "The FIA advises that incident occurred during the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race start today, 05/12/21, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, involving car #10, Théo Pourchaire, and car #14, Enzo Fittipaldi.

"The drivers were immediately attended to by emergency and medical crews. The drivers were conscious and extricated by the attending medical crews.

"Both have been transferred by ambulance and helicopter to King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah."

F1 drivers have expressed concern over the safety of the new Jeddah Corniche Circuit given it boasts the second-highest average speeds of the calendar - behind only Monza - despite being lined with walls as a street circuit.