Natacha Gachnang, the Matech Competition driver, who had a high-speed accident during Qualifying in Abu Dhabi yesterday, has a double compound fracture of her right leg and after a successful operation she is stable and recovering in the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
The incident took place during the first Qualifying session, at the end of the straight at Turn 8 of the Yas Marina Circuit, which is the fastest part of the circuit where the drivers are approaching at over 260 kmh.
In explaining the accident, the team said that at the braking point at the end of the straight, she started braking as normal. A leak was reported in the rear brake circuit which required Gachnang to press back hard on the brake.
When putting pressure on the brake pedal Gachnang's foot also pressed the accelerator pedal. The front brake circuit continued to function correctly but the combination of factors led to Gachnang failing to negotiate the corner and going down the escape road, the team confirmed.
It is unclear when Gachnang will return to the cockpit.