Audi GT racing star Laurens Vanthoor has escaped an incredible high-speed crash at the FIA GT World Cup race at Macau.
Vanthoor was passed by Porsche’s Earl Bamber when the Audi star then went wide after clipping the inside at the high-speed turn 2.
The R8 slammed into the outside fence and knocked-off the rear wing which then sent the car onto its roof. Still travelling extremely fast Vanthoor slid for well over 200 metres on the roof before coming to a stop.
He quickly jumped from the car, but officials had already called a red flag.
Ironically Vanthoor was awarded the race win after officials deemed there was not sufficient time for a restart.
“Don’t know what to write,” Tweeted Vanthoor.
“I’m OK, just a bit shocked. I guess I won the World Cup but it doesn’t feel like it’s supposed to feel. Were quick and in a position to win all weekend but I made a mistake. It’s strange but the way it is. I’ll come back and get a proper win.”
Earlier in the race Australian Ricky Capo brought out the red flag after crashing.
The race had only re-started after the first red flag when two corners later the Vanthoor crash occurred.
Officially Bamber was placed 10th after he was given a five second penalty for contact off the initial start with former Supercars racer Maro Engel.
“Can’t put into words how gutted I am about what happened to us today. Congrats to Laurens and glad he is OK after that big crash,” Tweeted Bamber.
Second place went to the Porsche of Kevin Estre with Engel’s Mercedes-Benz in third.
VIDEO: Vanthoor’s massive crash
VIDEO: Full race highlights
Discussion about this post