{"id":95284,"date":"2023-10-30T00:42:40","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T00:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/?p=95284"},"modified":"2023-10-30T00:42:40","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T00:42:40","slug":"terrifying-crash-at-suzuka-with-driver-lucky-to-be-alive-as-car-smashes-to-bits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/racing\/terrifying-crash-at-suzuka-with-driver-lucky-to-be-alive-as-car-smashes-to-bits\/","title":{"rendered":"Terrifying crash at Suzuka with driver lucky to be alive as car smashes to bits"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Super Formula drivers Ukyo Sasahara and Hiroki Otsu survived a horror crash that sent Sasaraha\u2019s car through the barriers at Suzuka\u2019s fastest corner. The TOM\u2019s driver was diagnosed with concussion after being taken to hospital, while Otsu remarkably walked away with only minor bruising.<\/p>\n

Sasahara and Otsu went side by side as they turned into the 130R corner, known for being a speedy part of the Suzuka circuit. They then make contact that elevates Otsu\u2019s car into the air and onto the gravel.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Sasaraha\u2019s vehicle was launched sideways and sped towards the barriers. In a terrifying scene, the engine and gearbox of the car is seen to separate.<\/p>\n

The main body of the car fell all the way through to the inside wall of the Degner Curve, near the start line. Sasaraha, 27, was kept in hospital overnight and will not take part in Sunday\u2019s main race.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Lewis Hamilton suspicions backed up as new footage shows rules being broken[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Having been diagnosed with concussion, Otsu will also be forced to sit out. The Nakajima driver was replacing Naoki Yamamoto.<\/p>\n

The crash, which took place in the fourth lap, prompted the race to be halted immediately. Half points were awarded with the race only counting up to the third lap. Damage to the fencing has since taken place and the season\u2019s finale will proceed as scheduled on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Sasahara was handed a 30-second penalty for his role in the crash. He finished in last place, while Otsu was handed a 17th-place finish.<\/p>\n