A moment of shock in the VLN endurance racing championship. At the sixth round of the series, the Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4 of the Hamburg Racing Team was involved in a high-speed accident which even caused the race to be stopped as a consequence. Driver Karl Pflanz had to spend a night in the hospital but was released next day.
What had happened? Planz wanted to overtake another slower car at the section Döttinger Höhe. Just before the end of the long straight he passed the other competitor at a speed of about 280 kilometres per hour and they both had a collision. Whilst the other driver was able to get out of his car almost uninjured, Pflantz had to be recovered with utmost care. He was immediately responsive but complained of pain in his leg and in his hand. The diagnosis: ligament rupture in his foot and in one hand and some contusions. “The accident was a big advertisement for Aston Martin”, said also the team manager next day. “To be almost uninjured after such a big accident is simply unbelievable.” The Hamburg Racing Team will in any case stick to the Aston Martin. A new car will, however, not be ready for the next race.
Everything was running well for the team up to the accident. “We still had a few problems with the revised gearbox”, explained Budde the lap times. The box again and again turned into neutral gear. Marcel Belka and Karl Pflanz were nevertheless able to go a good pace. Kim Hauschild who was scheduled to be the third driver in the Aston Martin team finally could not race.
In four weeks time, on occasion of the 6 Hour Race, he will join the team in the Porsche. The team is decided to present a new Aston Martin still this year. Team manager Michael Budde hopes that Karl Pflanz will be fit again by then and join them in the race.
