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Luca Engstler’s Recovery Journey After Macau GT Crash
Following a harrowing incident during the Macau GT race in November, Lamborghini driver Luca Engstler faced a challenging recovery. The young racer, who was involved in a high-speed crash while qualifying for the FIA World Cup at the Guia Circuit, found himself unable to walk and reliant on a wheelchair after the accident.
During the qualifying session, Engstler lost control of his Lamborghini Huracan GT3, veering wide at the Mandarin Bend and colliding with the wall at an alarming speed of 230 km/h. The impact was severe enough to render him unconscious, prompting immediate medical attention and hospitalization.
“It was a massive impact,” Engstler recounted in an interview. “The most significant issue was with my right ankle, which sustained serious damage. I tore the lateral ligaments, and there was significant bleeding around my tibia and fibula, which raised concerns.”
In the days following the incident, Engstler described his struggle to regain mobility, stating, “I spent the first few days in a wheelchair. It felt like every bone in my body was aching, and I was covered in bruises. It was a difficult experience.”
Engstler identified several contributing factors to his crash, including adverse weather conditions that limited his practice time and a Balance of Performance disadvantage for the Lamborghini. However, he emphasized that the mistake ultimately lay with him, accepting responsibility for the unfortunate event.
Describing the moments immediately after the crash, he revealed, “I wanted to get out of the car quickly because I knew it was a dangerous corner. I unbuckled my seatbelt but soon realized that was a poor decision. As I tried to exit, I noticed something was wrong with my foot, and then I lost consciousness. The next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Engstler’s passion for racing remains unshaken. “Waking up in the hospital disoriented makes you question your choices,” he noted. “But I processed it and felt determined to return. Racing is my passion, and that drive overrides everything else.”
As time passed and his condition improved, Engstler began to regain his physical abilities. He traveled to Sweden for a winter holiday and started jogging, although he acknowledges that a full return to racing likely won’t happen until February. “I was advised to refrain from exercising until early February, but I couldn’t hold off any longer,” he said. “Jogging now feels normal, and I estimate I’m at around 95% recovery with no lasting effects.”
Looking ahead, Engstler is eager to return to karting soon, aiming to refresh his skills before getting back into a racing car in the coming months. He expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Macau street circuit, stating, “I’ve told everyone I want a second chance at Macau. Last year ended in the hospital, but this year, I’m aiming for the trophy!”
Engstler’s resilience and determination exemplify the spirit of a true racer, as he prepares to make a comeback stronger than ever.
Source
www.motorsport.com