Paffett 'lucky' to escape 'nasty outcome' in Norisring DTM crash
Mercedes DTM driver Gary Paffett says he was lucky to escape major injury in his crash with Mike Rockenfeller during Sunday's Norisring race
Paffett and Audi driver Rockenfeller were taken to hospital following the collision, which occurred after Paffett lost control of his Mercedes C63 while trying to pass Jamie Green's Audi on the run to the first corner.
Paffett hit the inside wall and slid into the driver-side door of Rockenfeller's car at high speed at the Turn 1 hairpin, causing the race to be red-flagged.
Audi confirmed that Rockenfeller had broken a metatarsal bone in his left foot, while Paffett suffered bruising but was otherwise unharmed.
"I'm fine, I sustained a few bruises but all in all I'm OK," Paffett told German TV network ARD.
"After this massive crash that's a good outcome. I have to thank our engineers for building such a safe car.
"The X-ray pictures didn't show any injuries. I bruised a rib, that's it.
"The doctors were surprised when I told them about how fast we were going when the accident happened.
"They were surprised to find me basically without injuries.
"So yes, I was pretty lucky.
"The crash just seemed as if it never wanted to end. It went on and on and on.
"When it was done, I had to remain still for about a minute to collect my thoughts and to listen to my body, to see whether I was OK.
"It could have been a nasty outcome."
Rockenfeller said he had not anticipated the impact, and felt he was unfortunate to have sustained his injury after his foot was hit by the car's clutch pedal.
"It was a nasty one," he said.
"I hadn't expected it, it's always worse if you are not prepared [for the impact].
"The clutch pedal hit my foot, which was unlucky.
"I immediately knew something was hurting but you're under shock, too.
"I got out of the car and pulled off the shoe. I walked a bit and realised it's not perfect.
"At the hospital they performed an X-ray and we saw the midfoot was broken. It's a pity and it could be better, but it could be worse, too."
The German said he was not sure if he would be able to contest the next DTM round at Moscow in three weeks' time.
"I want to compete at Moscow, otherwise my [title chances] are over," he said.
"Now we wait for two or three days to see the swelling lessen.
"Luckily you don't need your left foot too much in the car, only at the start.
"If all goes according to plan we find a solution. But it's difficult to say at the moment."
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