F3: Li suffers broken back in massive crash

Following a horrific crash in the Formula 3 European Championship opener at Red Bull Ring, Carlin Racing has provided an update on the conditions of drivers "Peter" Li Zhi Cong and teammate Ryan Tveter:

"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."

Li was airlifted to hospital in Graz from the Austrian track's medical centre by helicopter, while Carlin teammate Ryan Tveter went by road.

The accident happened after Tveter spun through the gravel at Turn 5, coming to rest back on the track on the racing line of the 125mph corner. Li, unsighted in the dust cloud, rammed the back of Tveter's car and was launched into the air, before rolling. American Tveter got out of his car straight after the accident, but had to lie down on the grass.

A previous FIA statement said: "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."

Pedro Piquet, who was also caught up in the accident, was uninjured.

Autosport.com contributed to this report.