Fürst von Thurn und Taxis Involved in Rally Crash – Condition Unknown
Pößnitz, Austria – Albert Fürst von Thurn und Taxis, 42, was involved in a serious crash during the Rebenland Rallye in Styria, Austria on Friday. The entrepreneur and race car driver went off the road and plunged approximately 50 to 70 meters down an embankment, according to a spokesperson for the event organizers. The incident has raised concerns about his condition, though initial reports suggest he is stable.
The Fürst and his co-driver, Jara Hain, were airlifted to hospitals following the accident. Hain was transported to a hospital in Wagna with back pain, while von Thurn und Taxis was flown to a hospital in Graz. As of Saturday, the full extent of his injuries remains unclear, though his mother, Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, indicated that surgery is not currently required, according to a report from the Mediengruppe Bayern.
Experienced Racer Involved in Incident
Von Thurn und Taxis is a seasoned motorsport competitor, having previously achieved success as a race car driver, including winning the ADAC GT Masters championship in 2010. He was competing in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 at the Rebenland Rallye, an open Austrian championship event, when the crash occurred. Prior to the incident, he was holding a promising third-place position after three of seven stages on the first day of the rally. [1]
The crash took place during the fourth stage on the Panoramastraße in Pößnitz. According to reports, von Thurn und Taxis lost control of the vehicle. The event organizers confirmed that the car has been recovered using a crane. They also noted that the safety cage within the vehicle likely played a crucial role in preventing more severe injuries. [3]
Immediately after the crash, von Thurn und Taxis reportedly complained of severe pain in his lower back. Remarkably, he stated he felt as though he had “seven guardian angels” watching over him. [1] This sentiment was echoed by his mother’s statement expressing relief that surgery wasn’t immediately necessary.
Rebenland Rallye Impacted
The Rebenland Rallye, which features 55 teams, continued after the incident, but the fourth stage was not scored. The rally is a significant event in the Austrian motorsport calendar, attracting competitors from across the region. [1, 3]
Von Thurn und Taxis has been actively competing in rally events recently. According to eWRC-results.com, he participated in the Jännerrallye powered by WIMBERGER in Austria earlier this year, though he experienced issues during that event as well. [2] His participation in the Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo also ended with an accident. [2]
The incident highlights the inherent risks involved in motorsport, even for experienced drivers like von Thurn und Taxis. The quick response of emergency personnel and the protective features of modern rally cars were undoubtedly critical in mitigating the potential for more serious harm. [3]
It’s important to note that rally racing, particularly on challenging courses like those found in the Austrian mountains, demands a high degree of skill and precision. The Panoramastraße in Pößnitz, known for its scenic views, also presents a demanding driving environment. [3]
As of this report, further updates on the condition of both Albert Fürst von Thurn und Taxis and Jara Hain are pending. Archysport will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they turn into available. The next scheduled event for von Thurn und Taxis is currently unknown, but his team, BRR Baumschlager Rallye & Racing, will likely provide information regarding his recovery and future participation in the coming days. [2]
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources: [1] Süddeutsche Zeitung, [2] eWRC-results.com, [3] WELT
