Ticktum wins F3 Macau GP overshadowed by heavy crash

Images by Alexander Trienitz/LAT

Ticktum wins F3 Macau GP overshadowed by heavy crash

International Racing

Ticktum wins F3 Macau GP overshadowed by heavy crash

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British driver Dan Ticktum completed another dominant performance at the Macau Grand Prix — the FIA F3 World Cup — winning for the second straight year in a final overshadowed by a terrifying crash that left two drivers and three others injured.

Motopark driver Ticktum led every lap during an incident-filled event where there were two safety car periods and a lengthy red flag interruption following the major accident involving German driver Sophia Floersch.

Floersch’s car flew over the barrier after being launched over the top of Sho Tsuboi’s car at Lisboa Bend on Lap 4 (see video of the incident below). Both drivers were transferred to the hospital, as well as two photographers and a track marshal. A medical report from the organizers said that there were no critical injuries, although Floersch, who was complaining of back pain after being extricated from her crashed car, was determined to have suffered a spinal fracture.

“I am fine but will be going into surgery tomorrow morning,” the 17-year-old German tweeted. “Thanks to everybody for the supporting messages. Update soon.”

Of the others injured, Tsuboi was also suffering from back pain but is not believed to have suffered serious injury, while marshal Chan Cha In was determined to have suffered a fractured facial bone along with lacerations, and photographers Chan Weng Wang and Minami Hiroyuki suffered a liver laceration and a concussion, respectively.

Following a lengthy red flag delay to repair broken catch fencing, Ticktum got away well at the restart and briefly came under pressure from the pursuing Joel Eriksson on Lap 12, after the Swede had got past Sacha Fenestraz at the restart on Lap 7. But Ticktum had plenty of speed in hand and finished off what he believed had been a perfect performance.

“It was less surprising but more enjoyable than last year’s win,” said Ticktum, who also took pole and a dominant win in the previous day’s qualifying race. “When you dominate a weekend like that it is very, very special. I’m ecstatic.”

Fenestraz finished third, ahead of Jake Hughes, Mick Schumacher and Ralf Aron.

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