The images are impressive and caused the delay of the start of the race. Théo Pourchaire (ART), a young 18-year-old French driver engaged in Formula 2 – the antechamber of Formula 1 – was the victim of a violent accident on the Jeddah circuit in Saudi Arabia on Sunday 5 December.
His single-seater, stuck on the grid at the start of the race, was hit at full speed by that of Enzo Fittipaldi (Charouz), who started behind the Frenchman. Extracted from the vehicle and conscious, Pourchaire was taken to the nearest hospital.
Forced to retire on Saturday during the first race of the weekend on the Saudi circuit after leaving the track, Pourchaire this time experienced a completely different, much more serious mishap. When the lights went out at 6:05 p.m. (local time), the Frenchman, who started third on the starting grid, saw his engine fail him and his car remained motionless. Several pilots then managed to avoid it at the last moment. But not Enzo Fittipaldi.
# F2 – Statement: Incident During FIA Formula 2 Feature Race, Jeddahhttps: //t.co/IyyT2i7zsy
– FIA (@fia) December 5, 2021
Starting at the back of the grid, in 18th place, the Italian’s vehicle hit the rear of Pourchaire’s car very violently. The race marshals immediately took out the red flags, temporarily halting the Grand Prix, with the drivers returning to the pits. Pourchaire, 5th in the drivers’ standings and still in the race to win the title in F2 before this race weekend, was quickly taken care of by the ambulance crew.
The Frenchman was therefore transported to the hospital closest to the Jeddah circuit by helicopter, just like Fittipaldi. Extracted from his vehicle, Pourchaire took off his helmet, conscious, before sending a reassuring gesture to the supporters who had come to watch the race. After 40 minutes of interruption, this third race of the weekend was able to resume at 6:45 p.m. (local time), without the French, who will take exams in the coming hours.