Thierry Vermeulen Injured After Victory Leap Ahead of DTM Finale

Thierry Vermeulen, a driver for Emil Frey, sustained a foot injury during celebrations following his victory in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup in Barcelona. The incident occurred when he jumped off the roof of his Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, landing awkwardly and cutting short his winner's interview.

The 24-year-old driver appeared to suffer from circulatory issues initially, dropping to his knees and requiring assistance from mechanics. Emil Frey's technical director, Jurg Flach, confirmed that the injury was a result of the jump, noting that the drivers' shoes lack cushioning, which can lead to injuries upon landing from a height.

Vermeulen injured his left foot, which is crucial for braking, as drivers exert over 100 kilograms of force on the brake pedal. Despite the injury, Flach expressed confidence that Vermeulen would compete in the DTM season finale at Hockenheim, stating that they do not anticipate needing a replacement driver. Vermeulen currently ranks 11th in the championship standings, with his teammate Matteo Cairoli still in contention for the title, albeit with slim chances.