British F4 driver Billy Monger airlifted to hospital after HORRIFIC crash (4th Update)
"The Motor Sports Association is investigating the F4 British Championship incident at Donington Park that left Billy Monger with life-changing injuries," the MSA said in a statement. “This investigation is ongoing with the support of the world governing body for motorsport, the FIA. Until this investigation is concluded, there can be no further comment regarding the specifics of the incident.
"The thoughts of all at the MSA are with Billy and his family at this difficult time, and it has been incredible to see the extraordinary outpouring of support from the motorsport community."
04/20/17 Both Jenson Button and Max Verstappen have tweeted that they each donated 15,000 British Pounds to the Monger family.
04/19/17 Very sad news. British Formula 4 racer Billy Monger has lost both of his lower legs after a horrific crash during last weekend's final Donington Park race.
The 17-year-old JHR Developments driver collided with Patrik Pasma after being completely unsighted as the Finn’s car was stranded at Schwantz Curve.
Monger had to be airlifted to hospital after medics took nearly two hours to extract him from his car, but the extent of his injuries has emerged only now.
Efforts made to save his legs were unsuccessful, and a Justgiving page has now been set up by JHR team boss Steven Hunter to raise funds to support Monger in his recovery.
On the page, endorsed by Hunter and Monger’s family, the youngster is described as “truly special" and “a cracking young man with a spark that makes it impossible for anyone not to like him".
The fundraising page is accessible here.
Monger was in his second season of racing in F4 and is currently sixth in the standings after taking two podiums in the first five races of the year.
He had previously starred in the Ginetta Junior series, finishing fifth in the points in 2015.
04/17/17 Added video below.
04/16/17 BILLY MONGER has been rushed to hospital in an air ambulance after suffering a high-speed crash at the Donington Park circuit.
Carlin driver Patrik Pasma had stopped on track due to a problem with his car and Monger was unsighted by another vehicle, careering into the back of the stricken machine at full speed.
On-ground medical teams and an air ambulance quickly arrived at the scene of the accident but the crash was so severe that they were unable to remove Monger safely from the car for some time.
The 17-year-old racing driver was in the car for over an hour afterwards but according to ITV, he was conscious and has now been taken to hospital.
Pasma meanwhile was also hurt in the crash and will spend the night in hospital. "Patrik Pasma was taken to the on-site medical center for assessment," a Carlin statement said. "Patrik, who is fully conscious and able to communicate with team personnel, will now be transferred by ambulance to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham for further checks and observation overnight.
"Our thoughts remain with Billy Monger who was also involved in the incident."