Mark Webber This article is more than 13 years oldRed Bull's Mark Webber survives 190mph crash at European grand prix
This article is more than 13 years old Australian launched into mid-air by crash with KovalainenRed Bull car destroyed but driver confirmed as unhurt
Mark Webber survived a 190mph crash in today's European grand prix in Valencia. The Australian's Red Bull somersaulted in mid-air following a collision with Heikki Kovalainen's Lotus.
Webber, who was looking to overtake on lap 10, misjudged his move, resulting in his front-right tyre catching the rear left on the Lotus. The impact, which occurred on the fastest part of the circuit, launched Webber's car high into the air.
The Red Bull landed upside down on its nose and seemed to bounce off the tarmac as it somehow then righted itself. The car then careered across the significant run-off area at turn 12 before ploughing into and bouncing off a tyre barrier.
Webber was seen throwing his steering wheel out of the cockpit before removing his head and neck support system.
The smash brought the safety car into play, during which time Webber clambered out of his car. He has been confirmed as being unhurt.
Kovalainen said: "I was defending and I think he ran into me."
With the safety car out, a host of drivers entered the pits – Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastien Buemi, Adrian Sutil, Nico Hulkenberg, Vitaly Petrov and Pedro de la Rosa.The leaders followed a lap later, and Webber's team-mate, Sebastien Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton of McLaren, were able to hold their positions.
After four laps behind the safety car the racing finally resumed.
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