McNish taken to hospital

The Briton was running second in the race in his Audi Sport UK R8 when he hit a patch of oil, spinning off into the barriers at high speed. McNish, who was briefly knocked out in the incident, climbed out of his car, but was able to drive it back to the pits after it was push-started by marshals. The R8 is currently being worked on in the pits, although its participation in the remainder of the race is uncertain.

Ulrich said that McNish had a sore knee and a head-ache, but that he didn't appear to be seriously hurt. He said: "He's got a big head-ache, as you'd expect given that we went off at around 300kmh. Nothing seems to be broken, but he's not feeling too good. He'll be taken to hospital for a concussion check.


"It's sad to see two Audis involved in an incident like that, but part of motor racing is that it's not always your fault. Hopefully the car can get back in the race, but our main priority is to ensure that Allan is ok."

JJ Lehto also went off at the same corner in the Champion Audi R8, although it has since rejoined the race in 40th place, nine laps adrift of the leading Audi of Guy Smith.