The Alpine Endurance driver, Ferdinand Habsburg, was involved in a serious accident during a testing session at the Motorland Aragon race circuit last week. The team had planned to conduct an endurance test at Motorland Aragon, a popular venue for teams to prepare for Le Mans due to its similarities to the long straights of the Circuit de la Sarthe. The six drivers from the team’s FIA World Endurance Championship were present, along with reserve driver Jules Gounon. Unfortunately, Habsburg’s accident at Turn 7 prevented the endurance test from taking place with the sole car A424.
An Alpine spokesperson provided an update on the incident: “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, during the A424 testing session at Motorland (Aragon), driver Ferdinand Habsburg had an accident at Turn 7. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Ferdinand was taken to the hospital in Alcañiz for tests and was discharged in the evening. The next day, he was repatriated to Austria, where he underwent further tests. Ferdinand suffered fractures in two lumbar vertebrae, but there are no neurological damages. The duration of his recovery is still to be determined, which will determine his participation in the next stage of the FIA WEC in Imola. Alpine fully supports Ferdinand and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Habsburg is a member of the Alpine A424 #35 hypercar driver lineup, alongside Paul Loup Chatin and Charles Milesi. At the start of the WEC season in Qatar last month, they earned nine points and finished seventh after the disqualifications of Peugeot and Cadillac. However, Habsburg’s injury raises doubts about his participation in the second stage, the 6 Hours of Imola, on April 21. This race will mark the continuation of Alpine’s debut season with their new LMDh car.
