Alpine Endurance driver Ferdinand Habsburg has been injured after suffering an accident in a testing session last week at the Motorland Aragon race circuit.
They were set to conduct an endurance test at the venue.
It is commonly used by teams to prepare for Le Mans, particularly for how its long back-straight replicates the lengthy straights seen at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
All six of the team‘s FIA World Endurance Championship drivers were present, in addition to reserve driver Jules Gounon.
Habsburg suffered a severe crash at Turn 7 which prevented the endurance test taking place with the single A424.
An Alpine spokesperson said: “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, during the A424 test session in Motorland (Aragon), driver Ferdinand Habsburg had an accident at Turn 7.
“The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
“Ferdinand was taken to the hospital in Alcañiz for examinations and was discharged in the evening.
“The next day, he was repatriated to Austria, where he underwent further examinations.
“Ferdinand suffers from two fractured lumbar vertebrae, with no neurological impact.
“He is beginning his recovery, the duration of which has not yet been defined.
“It will determine its participation in the next round of the FIA WEC at Imola.
“Alpine gives Ferdinand its full support and wishes him the best and quickest recovery.”
Habsburg is part of the #35 Alpine A424 Hypercar driver crew, having teamed up with Paul Loup Chatin and Charles Milesi at last month’s WEC season-opener in Qatar.
Following the disqualifications of Peugeot and Cadillac, the #35 secured nine points for finishing seventh after the near-10-hour race debut with the A424.
Habsburg’s injury puts his chances of participating in the second round – the 6 Hours of Imola – up in the air on 21 April which will continue Alpine’s debut 2024 season with their new LMDh car.
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