Reassuring state of health for Stéphane Ortelli despite multiple fractures

The accident occurred during the second round of the season in Endurance Prototype Challenge. The No. 02 Nova NP28 of MV2S Racing went off the track at the final turn, violently hitting the tire wall. The driver was able to escape safely from his cockpit, and the marshals displayed double yellow flags to warn the drivers arriving behind.

Stéphane Ortelli, in another NP02, the No. 99 of Nerguti Compétition, slowed down before being hit head-on. It was an LMP3, that of DKR Engineering with Benjamin Rouget at the wheel, which did not slow down sufficiently, sending the green prototype very violently into the barriers. The toll is heavy for Ortelli, since he suffers from four open fractures: tibia, tibial malleolus, fibula, external malleolus. Stéphane Ortelli was operated on on Sunday evening for 2 hours in the orthopedic unit of Portimao hospital. According to our information, he is continuing his convalescence in Portugal for the moment, before being repatriated to Monaco next week at the earliest, his fractures not allowing him to be transported for the moment.

His team asks for explanations

The French team also appealed via a press release to the racing management of the Ultimate Cup Series, who did not comment on this accident which could have ended even worse. Indeed, the MV2S Racing driver, who crashed first, was still standing next to the barriers (track side) in the straight at the time of the huge exit taking place behind him, and forcing the appearance of the flag red.

“Beyond its dramatic nature, this accident raises the question of respect for the regulations relating to circuits, races but above all that of the safety of the drivers”, reads the statement. “At no time did neither the organization nor the race direction want to communicate on this subject. Nerguti Compétition therefore wishes today that light be shed on the real circumstances of the accident and the breaches of the various regulations. Nerguti Compétition would like to particularly thank all the teams, people and friends who immediately mobilized with Stéphane Ortelli. »

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