German driver suffers spinal fracture in Macao F3 crash: report

BERLIN -- German teenage driver Sophia Floersch has suffered a spinal fracture in a high-speed crash during a Formula 3 race in Macao on Sunday, but said from hospital she was "fine", German Press Agency (DPA) reported.

The 17-year-old driver lost control of her Van Amersfoort car at a speed of just under 280km/h. Her car hit fellow driver Sho Tsuboi before being catapulted through the air and through fencing.

Floersch was conscious and transported to hospital, later tweeting that she would undergo surgery on Monday, according to DPA.

"Just wanted to let everybody know that I am fine but will be going into surgery tomorrow morning," she said.

She added: "Thanks to everybody for the supporting messages. Update soon."

Officials said she had suffered a spinal fracture. Her father said she was able to move all of her body, DAP reported.

Four other people were taken to hospital, including Japanese driver Sho Tsuboi, two photographers and a track marshal. All were conscious and treated for various back, head and facial injuries.

Floersch, who will be 18 on Dec 1, is competing in her first season in the junior F3 series. She was lying in 15th place when the accident happened on lap four of the street circuit.

The accident is being investigates by motorsport federation FIA, a federation official told DPA.