Somersault at Hockenheim

Erik Comas fortunately emerged unscathed from his Ligier JS35-Lamborghini (photo above), following his big off-track excursion at Hockenheim, during Saturday’s free practice, preceding the 1991 German Grand Prix.

Indeed, Comas, who was in his first F1 season, lost control of his JS35B when approaching the Ostcurve chicane at the Hockenheim circuit: his single-seater crashed into the tire barrier and ended its race upside down on the track. 

The Frenchman was rescued : wearing a neck brace, he was airlifted to Mannheim hospital where no injuries were found. Allowed to participate in qualifying, he qualified in 26th position, but retired from the race due to an oil pressure problem.

The 1991 season was difficult for Guy Ligier’s team and its drivers Thierry Boutsen (coming from Williams, where he had won three Grand Prix) and for rookie Erik Comas, F3000 champion. The JS35 with its Lamborghini V12 engine was not at all competitive and the team failed to score a single point all season.

Picture below: Thierry Boutsen, Ligier JS35-Lamborghini, finishes in seventh position, but outside the points, at the 1991 Monaco Grand Prix.