via Getty
SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JULY 10: Jack Aitken of Great Britain and Campos Racing prepares for Qualifying for the Formula 2 Championship at Red Bull Ring on July 10, 2020 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Joe Portlock – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
via Getty
SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JULY 10: Jack Aitken of Great Britain and Campos Racing prepares for Qualifying for the Formula 2 Championship at Red Bull Ring on July 10, 2020 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Joe Portlock – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Four drivers have been transferred to the Spa Medical Center because of an accident during the 24-hour-race at Spa, Belgium. One of the four is Williams reserve driver, Jack Aitken. It has been reported that he doesn’t sustain any life-threatening injuries. Aitken crashed at the summit of Eau Rouge along with Davide Rigon, Franck Perera, and Kévin Estre.
The awful crash saw a domino effect on events that resulted in the four cars engaging in what looks like a terrible collision. Luckily, two drivers are okay and back on track while the others, including Aitken, are undergoing checkups at the medical center.
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Aitken was making his debut at the 24H race today when the unfortunate event took place. As the Williams reserve driver, there have been talks of him getting the Mercedes-driven seat next season. The British-Korean made his Williams debut when George Russell subbed Lewis Hamilton last year.
What is the Spa 24H?
The endurance race is important in the Endurance Championship. The race at Spa marked round one of the 021 Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli season. One of the most competitive GT races in the world, it is held annually and is currently sponsored by TotalEnergies.
Read More: Rosberg Minces No Words at Ricciardo’s Poor Hungarian GP Qualifying
Enduring racing seems a little complicated to the familiar structure of F1. It includes multiple classes, maximum stint lengths, and mandatory pit stops that need to be observed.
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AND HERE WE GO!! 🟢🟢🟢
The 2021 @TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa is GO GO GO!
And it's a flying start for that man, @Team_RMarciello in the #88 @AKKAASPTEAM #MercedesAMG #Spa24h 🇧🇪🎢 pic.twitter.com/NNgAFcNiso
— TotalEnergies 24Hours of Spa (@24HoursofSpa) July 31, 2021
The event has a unique class structure that simply categories drivers. there are four categories- Pro [eligible for overall result], Silver Cup, Pro-Am, and Am Cup. despite the classes, the basic rules imply that over the full duration of the race, no driver can spend over 14 hours behind the wheel. The maximum continuous driving time is three hours, following a one-hour rest.
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Extremely different from Formula One, it may be a good trajectory to venture to during the coming summer break. On the other hand, its good to know that Jack Aitken, an extended member of the F1 family, is up and okay.
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