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Le Mans / ALMS
LE MANS: Bernhard Injured In Sebring Testing Accident
German driver diagnosed with cervical vertebrae injury following Monday’s testing accident at Sebring...
Timo Bernhard escaped serious injury following a severe testing accident Monday at Sebring. (Photo: John Dagys)
Audi Sport driver Timo Bernhard has been diagnosed with a neck injury following Monday's testing accident at Sebring International Raceway.
The 31-year-old German was at the wheel of a new Audi R18 Ultra when the diesel-powered prototype suffered an undisclosed mechanical failure heading into the high-speed and bumpy Turn 17. Bernhard managed to scrub off some speed before backing the car hard into the barriers.
READ: Bernhard Crashes New Audi in Sebring Testing
Despite initially climbing from the wrecked machine under his own power, Bernhard spent the night in an area hospital where he was later diagnosed with a fracture to a cervical vertebrae.
"Timo had (medical) permission to fly home to Germany this week but has decided to stay on in Florida for a short holiday with his wife,” an Audi spokesperson said.
“It was diagnosed that he suffered an injury to the cervical spine which medical staff have advised will heal by itself. He is mobile but may need to wear a neck brace for a week or so."
While Bernhard is expected to make a full recovery, his status for the Six Hours of Spa on May 5, the next round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, is unknown at this point.
Audi wrapped up its four-day Sebring endurance test on Thursday with no other major incidents reported.
Eleven of the twelve drivers, including Sebring winners Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello, turned laps on the bumpy airfield circuit, in preparation for the manufacturers' four-car assault in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
The 31-year-old German was at the wheel of a new Audi R18 Ultra when the diesel-powered prototype suffered an undisclosed mechanical failure heading into the high-speed and bumpy Turn 17. Bernhard managed to scrub off some speed before backing the car hard into the barriers.
READ: Bernhard Crashes New Audi in Sebring Testing
Despite initially climbing from the wrecked machine under his own power, Bernhard spent the night in an area hospital where he was later diagnosed with a fracture to a cervical vertebrae.
"Timo had (medical) permission to fly home to Germany this week but has decided to stay on in Florida for a short holiday with his wife,” an Audi spokesperson said.
“It was diagnosed that he suffered an injury to the cervical spine which medical staff have advised will heal by itself. He is mobile but may need to wear a neck brace for a week or so."
While Bernhard is expected to make a full recovery, his status for the Six Hours of Spa on May 5, the next round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, is unknown at this point.
Audi wrapped up its four-day Sebring endurance test on Thursday with no other major incidents reported.
Eleven of the twelve drivers, including Sebring winners Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello, turned laps on the bumpy airfield circuit, in preparation for the manufacturers' four-car assault in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
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