Gene hospitalised after Le Mans crash

The Spaniard, who shares the No.7 908 HDi with Nicolas Minassian and Jacques Villeneuve, was taken straight to hospital after the shunt and will be kept in overnight for observation. Although it appeared at first that he had a broken toe, it was confirmed to be just a hairline fracture.

The circuit was damp with a narrow dry line when Gene lost control of the car in the second part of the Porsche Curves. He ran wide exiting the left-hander, spun on the grass, and rolled across the track before striking the wall on the outside of the right-hander.

He was treated at the scene before being taken to the circuit medical centre and then Le Mans Hospital. Gene recalls the incident clearly and if there are no further injuries he is expected to be fit to drive in time for the first qualifying session in 10 days time.

Peugeot Sport director Michel Barge visited Gene in hospital and reported: "At first we thought the toe might be broken but it's just a hairline fracture. He's in good form and will leave hospital tomorrow."

The team admitted that they don't know what caused the accident, but will investigate the data over the next couple of days.

The No.7 chassis was destroyed in the impact and Peugeot have asked the race stewards for permission to build up another car in time for qualifying on June 11.