CARENDURANCELMS

29.06.2009

LMS: Alphand seriously hurt in motorcycle rally

Le Mans Series team owner and driver Luc Alphand has been seriously injured in a motor cycle rally.

The former Skiing Champion, who now runs cars in the Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship and French GT Championship under the Luc Alphand Aventures banner, was competing in the Rand’Auvergne in central France on Sunday when he crashed heavily.

It is believed that the 43-year-old Frenchman, who was competing at the Le Mans 24 Hours two weeks ago, has suffered a damaged spine and he will undergo surgery in Clermont Ferrand today.

“From what I understand Luc did not lose consciousness and there is no danger of brain damage, but we think he has fractured his spine,” said Luc Alphand Aventures Team Manager Philippe Poincloux.

“Mentally it’s a big blow for him knowing that he will be unable to move for some time. He is really down even though he knows he has been lucky it was not worse. He is in great shape physically and that will help his recovery.”

Alphand won the Ski World Cup in 1997, but switched to motorsport after retiring. He won the Dakar Rally in 2006 and is a nine-time veteran of the Le Mans 24 Hours. He also currently leads the GT1 standings in the Le Mans Series.

Andy Wilkinson

Leave comments with your Facebook Account

LMS - RML B08/80 HPD, Paul Ricard testin, (c) David Lord / Dailysportscar

LMS - RML B08/80 HPD, Paul Ricard testin, (c) Peter May / Dailysportscar

LMS - Strakka Racing, Ginetta-Zytek, Paul Ricard test (c) Strakka Racing

No broadcasting coming next.

11 Apr Paul Ricard

09 May Spa

17 Jul Algarve

22 Aug Hungaroring

12 Sep Silverstone

17.03.10 - LM: Bouchut, Tucker & Rodrigues to share Kolles Audi
Christophe Bouchut, Scott Tucker and Manu Rodrigues will share a Kolles Audi R10 TDi at this year’s Le(...)

16.03.10 - LMS: ProSpeed confirm Le Mans Series switch
ProSpeed Competition has confirmed its switch to the Le Mans Series in 2010.

15.03.10 - Le Mans: Audi's R15 Plus breaks cover
Audi has released the first picture of its R15 Plus, the diesel-powered LMP1 prototype the manufacturer hopes(...)

12.03.10 - LMS: De Crem joins Boutsen Energy Racing in FLM
Belgian teenager Nicolas de Crem will make his international racing debut in the Formula Le Mans series this(...)

10.03.10 - Life with Lola – a new blog on Motors TV
Ever wondered what goes on behind-the-scenes at one of the world’s most successful racing car(...)

[LMS news]