Kevin Magnussen taken to hospital but fully conscious after impressive crash
The Renault driver was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure following a heavy crash at the top of the Raidillon, on the sixth lap of the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix. Fortunately, his medical check-up was reassuring, despite a cut on his left ankle.
Tamed by the current single-seaters, the ascent of Eau Rouge remains a true test for the 2016 grid drivers. Kevin Magnussen had a bitter experience today. After a good start that saw him in eighth place, the Dane went beyond the curbs at the top of the corner, losing control of the rear of his car. Impressive footage shows his R.S 16 losing grip and spinning at high speed before hitting the tire wall protecting the right side of the runoff areas, in two places. In the crash, the RS.16 was literally crushed, as evidenced by the driver’s safety bar being launched into the air!
La voiture de Magnussen 😱 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/a1Qn63mij9
— La F1® sur CANAL+ (@CanalPlusF1) 28 août 2016
His accident caused a race interruption of more than twenty minutes, giving the marshals time to repair the damaged protection systems.
Although Magnussen was able to exit his yellow wreck on his own, he needed the assistance of the marshals to walk the few meters separating him from the track limits.
Fortunately, the French team quickly provided reassurance through a statement, particularly shared on social media:
« Kévin left his car without external assistance. He was then taken to the track’s medical center for standard preventive checks. » Although « he suffered a slight cut on his left ankle », « he is fully conscious and operational. »
Precautionary 🚑 tests being conducted on MAG, according to @RenaultSportF1
He is “fully conscious and responsive”👍 pic.twitter.com/G5lYEKx8Qb
— Formula 1 (@F1) 28 août 2016
Subsequently, the former McLaren driver was indeed transferred to the Verviers hospital for further examinations, revealing no other major health issues. According to his team leaders, he has already been declared fit for the next Grand Prix, scheduled in Monza, as early as next weekend. This was confirmed by the driver himself on social media. A promising sign for the future…
Thanks for all your messages folks! On my way home now with a sore ankle but will be ready for Monza 👍🏻👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/7CH5DttYpw
— Kevin Magnussen (@KevinMagnussen) 28 août 2016
