Thompson and D’Aste out of Macau

James Thompson and Stefano D’Aste will not race in Macau – both cars are damaged beyond repair, and Thompson also sustained injuries ruling him out.

After sustaining bruises to his feet in the crash, Thompson will be on crutches and forced to observe. Title contenders Tarquini & Yvan Muller are cleared to race.

Thompson said:
“I want to thank the medical staff, because they were very efficient and professional. And I also wish to thank Stefano D’Aste, who stayed with me all the time. I appreciated it a lot especially because after the crash I momentarily lost my sight. Having Stefano with me when I was transported to the hospital was very reassuring,”

Gabriele Tarquini, championship leader said:
“Physically I feel a bit stiff but fortunately we have had one day to recover so I hope that tomorrow I wake up a little bit better than now. I was optimistic for another pole but ended up in the hospital so you know never know. I couldn’t have avoided the accident. It was the track conditions and Yvan stopped just after the cloud of cement dust and I couldn’t avoid him. I was on full throttle and hit him at 130kph. The car was destroyed so I thought it was impossible to make the races but the mechanics said not to worry and they repaired it.”

Yvan Muller, who is only two points behind his SEAT team mate – but was taken away from the incident on a stretcher yesterday said:
“I am able to race, I feel well but for some muscular pains. I fold but I don’t break. There was doubt about my car but the team did a fantastic job. It was a lot of hours of work but they did it. I’m a bit disappointed because my lap time before the crash was fast but probably too fast! Macau is impossible to predict so I don’t like to guess what might happen tomorrow. I don’t like to gamble!”