Race fans were left on edge when Marta Garcia, the first F1 Academy champion, faced a harrowing crash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
During a Le Mans Cup event, Garcia, who once graced the tracks as a Renault F1 junior driver, found herself leading the GT3 class for Iron Dames. The excitement took a dark turn when Elesio Donno’s AF Corse Ferrari made contact with Garcia’s Porsche from behind. This collision sent her car spinning into the unforgiving tire barriers, resulting in an explosion of debris and sending the Porsche’s rear aflame.
Despite the terrifying scene, swift action led to the race being red-flagged, ensuring the safety of Garcia and the other drivers amidst the chaos. Garcia’s escape from the flaming wreckage was a relief to all, and she was immediately transported to a hospital for thorough examinations.
Fortunately, the 24-year-old Spaniard has been given a clean bill of health. An official statement from Iron Dames delivered reassuring news, stating that she has avoided any significant injuries and is currently recovering well. They expressed gratitude towards the diligent efforts of trackside and hospital medical teams and their appreciation for the support she received from fans.
Marta Garcia’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the inherent risks in motorsport. Her situation echoed on the same day F1 Academy released news about Nina Gademan, an Alpine-backed driver who also encountered a scare during Jeddah testing. While different in circumstances, both events underline the ever-present danger in the sport and the essential roles of safety measures and medical teams.
Garcia is expected to be back on track soon, as emphasized by Iron Dames, who have made it clear that her health and safety remain their primary concerns.
Marta Garcia’s incident underlines the unpredictable nature of motorsport, but thanks to rapid response and robust safety protocols, she is on a steady path to recovery. The motorsport community eagerly awaits her return to the track, hoping for nothing more than a safe and successful season ahead.
