Former F1 Academy champion shares update after fiery crash left her hospitalised

Marta Garcia, who became the first F1 Academy champion in 2023, has provided her fans with an update after a fiery crash in the Le Mans Cup on Saturday left her hospitalised. 

The Spanish driver suffered from a high-speed crash during the Le Mans Cup at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Saturday. 

Elesio Donno in the AF Corse Ferrari collided with the rear of Garcia's Iron Dames Porsche 911 when the latter was leading the GT3 Class, causing her to crash into the tyre barrier before the car burst into flames.

Iron Dames released the following statement as Garcia was hospitalised:

“We are pleased to confirm that Marta Garcia is recovering well following her incident,” a statement read.

“After undergoing extensive medical examinations, she has been cleared of any major injuries and is already back to smiling. As a precaution, she stayed under observation overnight and will have a follow-up assessment.

“We extend our gratitude to the trackside and hospital medical teams, as well as to all the fans for their support. Marta's health and safety remain our top priority, and we look forward to seeing her back on track soon.”

Garcia, who was released from hospital on Tuesday morning, has since shared her own update, stating:

"Hello everyone , yesterday I experienced one of the toughest moments in my career.

"I had a very heavy crash at the Circuit de Barcelona, with an impact of 21 Gs. Another driver hit me from behind and I went straight into a tire barrier next to the wall. The car caught fire, and although I managed to get out by myself, I inhaled some smoke and felt dizzy afterwards.

Marta García, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

"I couldn’t open my door because it was stuck from the impact, and I started panicking as more and more smoke was coming into the car… until the marshals broke the co-driver’s door and got me out. I’m so thankful to them for reacting so quickly and for the job they did.

"I spent the night in the hospital and will probably stay one more night just as a precaution. All scans came back clear, but I’m still feeling shaken and not quite back to normal yet.

"I will take some time to rest properly and come back racing soon.

"A huge thank you to the trackside medical team, the marshals, the rescue crew, and everyone at Hospital General de Catalunya at Quirón for taking such good care of me — and to everyone who’s sent me messages of support. I really appreciate it. And also the team @huber_racing and @iron.dames for the support they gave me."

Donno has issued a public apology to Garcia and Iron Dames and has taken full responsibility for the crash.