Driver survives scary airborne Super GT crash at former F1 track

Igor Fraga escaped serious injury after a terrifying airborne crash at Fuji Speedway during the Super GT Series. The #64 Honda was sent flipping through the air on the start-finish straight after contact between two rival cars, drawing an immediate red flag.

Why it matters:

The crash highlights the dangers of high-speed starts on damp circuits at venues with Formula 1 heritage. Fuji Speedway last hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 2008. Fraga walking away from such a violent accident underscores the importance of modern safety standards.

The details:

• The collision: It unfolded after a Safety Car start on a damp track. Bertrand Baguette's #12 Nissan hit Mitsunori Takaboshi's #23 Nissan, which then turned into Fraga's #64 Honda.
• Airborne impact: Fraga's car was launched into the air, flew upside down, and landed on its side before skidding down the straight.
• Driver condition: Fraga's team confirmed he was fully conscious with no serious injuries, but was taken to hospital for precautionary checks.
• Taking responsibility: Baguette apologized, explaining he was caught out by Takaboshi slowing to avoid overtaking before the line. "The responsibility is mine: I should have left more margin," he stated.

What's next:

Fraga will undergo medical evaluation before returning to competition. The race resumed after the red flag and was won by the #100 Honda of Naoki Yamamoto and Tadasuke Makino. Fuji no longer features on the F1 calendar—Suzuka has hosted the Japanese Grand Prix since 2009—but the weekend served as a stark reminder of the risks at high-speed circuits.