TGI Team by GRT has confirmed that Maximilian Paul has sustained a left lower leg injury, following his significant accident in the opening race during last weekend’s DTM round at the Norisring.
The 26-year-old lost control of his Lamborghini Temerario GT3 on the approach to Turn 1, making heavy contact with the Schubert Motorsport-run BMW M4 GT3 Evo of Kelvin van der Linde. The red flag was deployed, with both drivers subsequently taken to hospital for further checks.
These confirmed that Paul had sustained a fracture to his left leg, whilst van der Linde was given the all-clear, suffering only bruises.
“We identified an oil spill as the cause, after another car had been leaking fluid throughout the entire race,” explained TGI Team by GRT team principal Gottfried Grasser. “Under braking, he [Paul] then lost control on this fluid. Our analysis led us to no other conclusion, as a thorough inspection of the car revealed no technical fault.”
The injury means that Paul will at least miss the next DTM round, which will be held at Oschersleben on the weekend of 24th to 26th July, as the Lamborghini factory driver turns his focus to recovery. His replacement is set to be announced in due course.
“The accident was a major setback for me,” Paul said.
“I’d like to thank all the rescue workers and the doctors who looked after me so exceptionally well. Now it’s time to look ahead. I’m taking a break for the time being to look after my body and my health, and I’ll be back in full force soon.
“I’ll be in hospital for the next few days, after which I’ll be heading to rehab. I really appreciate the support of my family, my team, my friends and everyone who’s checking in on me at the moment, and I’ll be consciously focusing on that support and my recovery in the coming weeks. I’d like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the many kind words and get-well wishes. They give me strength and keep me going on my road to recovery.”
Van der Linde, meanwhile, missed Sunday’s Race 2, and has been recovering with the support of the staff and facilities at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre. His next scheduled start is the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup event at Misano on 17th to 19th July.
“I’m just glad that [Race 1] didn’t end worse,” the South African said. “When you see the replays and the images, it could easily have been much more serious. I’m thankful that BMW built such a safe car and effectively saved my life.”
Image courtesy of Axel Weichert
