The first race of three this weekend for the FIA Formula 3 European Championship at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria witnessed a horrible three-car crash, although fortunately, the aftermath could have been worse.
The accident involved Peter Zhi Cong Li (China, Carlin), Ryan Tveter (America, Carlin) and Pedro Piquet (Brazil, Van Amersfoort Racing).
Li was the one who went airborne, after going over the back of Tveter.
Per a later team update, Li was undergoing treatment for multiple broken bones in his heel and diagnosed with four fractured vertebrae. The broken bones will require surgery while the vertebrae will not.
Here’s the video:
Video #FIAF3 pic.twitter.com/u8hiDYS6yI
— Mattzel89 (@Mattzel89) May 21, 2016
Here’s the still shots:
#FIAF3 pic.twitter.com/zPpbJO2vCE
— Mattzel89 (@Mattzel89) May 21, 2016
That is unbelievable pic.twitter.com/8pOTQCzYyr
— Mattzel89 (@Mattzel89) May 21, 2016
No words.. #FIAF3 #F3 #Spielberg pic.twitter.com/rTUFBIsFJk
— ℐoиɑthɑи.🏁 (@JonathanNASCAR) May 21, 2016
The remains of Peter Li's car (who flew through the air). He's being transported to the medical center pic.twitter.com/nrXR84LzIp
— Mattzel89 (@Mattzel89) May 21, 2016
A serious incident has occurred during Race 1 of Round 4 of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, involving car number 18 Zhi Cong Li (CHN), number 3 Ryan Tveter (USA) and number 5 Pedro Piquet (BRA).
Following on-track evaluation, Zhi Cong Li and Ryan Tveter were transferred to the circuit’s medical centre. One driver was initially unconscious, but both drivers were conscious on arrival at the medical centre.
Zhi Cong Li has subsequently been taken to hospital via helicopter due to possible head and back injuries.
Ryan Tveter was taken to hospital by ambulance for further examination.
Carlin has now issued its own medical update past 10:15 a.m. ET:
Following transfer to a local hospital, Carlin drivers Peter Zhi Cong Li and Ryan Tveter have received further medical assessment after a serous incident during Race 1 of Round 4 of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in Spielberg today.
Having been taken to hospital by ambulance, Ryan has been discharged with heavy bruising to his knee.
Following initial assessment at the medical centre, Peter was transferred to a University hospital by helicopter. Peter is undergoing treatment for multiple broken bones in his heel, which will require surgery in the near future. Peter has also been diagnosed with four fractured vertebrae which do not require surgery. While suffering with other bruising and small injuries, Peter is alert and speaking with team personnel.
Callum Ilott was leading Lance Stroll when the accident happened, and was declared the winner.