Biela unhurt in major accident

The German had recorded the fourth fastest time in warm-up trials for this year's round-the-clock marathon on Sunday before going off at high speed due to oil on the track. Biela, who was driving the Audi UK-entered R8, lost control at over 120mph and hit the barriers.

"I hit oil in the Porsche Curves and went off," he reported. "I tried to catch the slide but went on to the grass and the car's right rear impacted with the wall.

"I saw no oil flag warning me of the danger. I'm very sorry for the team - I just hope we can fix the car. Up until that point the test had gone very well."

Biela will share the car with former F1 driver Mika Salo and British veteran Perry McCarthy in the June 14/15 event.