Sophia Floersch determined to return to racing despite fracturing spine in Macau horror crash

The 17-year-old required 11-hour surgery after her car flew off the track during the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix before crashing backwards into a media hut

Samuel Lovett
Tuesday 27 November 2018 11:39 GMT
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Moment of dramatic crash during Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix

Sophia Floersch is determined to return to racing after fracturing her spine in a horrifying crash at the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix.

Footage of the incident showed the 17-year-old speed into a corner out of control before clipping another car, flying through the air and crashing into a media building beside the track.

The German subsequently underwent surgery for more than 10 hours as doctors sought to repair her fractured vertebra and remove a bone splinter, which was sitting dangerously close to her spinal cord.

In a statement released on her Facebook, Floersch said she would now be returning home.

And despite the ordeal, the teenager made it clear she was looking forward to a “new chapter”.

"Today I am flying back home,” she said. “Really happy to see all my family and friends in the next days again.

"I am still overwhelmed by all the support I got from all you fans around the world.

"I celebrated my 2nd birthday on the 18.11.2018 in Macau - now a new chapter starts and I can't wait for it to begin. Let's focus on 2019."

Sophia Floersch is returning home - just eight days after the crash (AFP/Getty Images)

A marshall and two photographers were also injured in the Macau crash.

Floersch's team boss has said the historic circuit was not to blame after the accident raised concerns about safety standards.

The International Motoring Federation (FIA) has since opened an investigation into the incident.

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