Chaz Mostert’s error in yesterday’s qualifying session at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 was due to sun glare, the Prodrive racing driver has revealed.
The defending Bathurst Champion, 23, had a terrifying crash early in qualifying that left his Ford Falcon FG X destroyed, while he suffered a fractured femur and wrist.
Mostert last night underwent surgery for his injuries at Orange Health Service Hospital, but was in good spirits speaking with family and team representatives at the hospital.
“I’m really sorry for the team as it was my error that put us out and also destroyed a car,”
Mostert said in a statement released from his Prodrive Racing Australia team late last night.
“I just lost my racing line due to a bit of sun glare and glanced the wall.
“From there I was a passenger and took some pretty big hits.”
Three marshals were injured in the accident, with two suffering minor injuries and a third cleared of head, neck and brain injuries last night.
“Thanks to everyone in the V8 Supercars medical team for their care following my accident today,” Mostert said.
“My biggest fear was for the safety of the marshals but to hear none were seriously injured is a big relief.”
A team representative visited families of the marshals receiving treatment at Orange hospital on Mostert’s behalf.
As well as being the 2014 Bathurst winner, Mostert sits second in the Championship behind teammate Mark Winterbottom. The shape of the Championship will be hugely affected after the crash – it’s unclear when the young gun will be able to get behind the wheel.
Despite the severity of his crash, Mostert passed a message to his team pleading they get ‘Frosty’ on ARMOR ALL Pole Position.
“I’ve obviously got a bit of recovery to come but for now I want to wish the team all the best and see Frosty, Dave [Reynolds], Andre [Heimgartner] and the rest of the team go for the win on Sunday.”
The team will power on and qualify today for the Great Race, hoping to win three on the trot after Mostert’s win with Paul Morris last year and Winterbottom’s victory with Steven Richards in 2013.
