American racing driver Juan Manuel Correa, who was injured in the F2 crash which killed Anthoine Hubert, has opted for reconstructive surgery on his right leg rather than amputation.
Correa has been in hospital since the crash at Spa-Francorchamps on Aug. 30, where he collided head on with Hubert’s car after he had lost control at the top of Raidillon corner. Hubert was pronounced dead shortly after the crash, while Correa sustained multiple leg fractures and a minor spinal injury.
Correa was in intensive care following the accident and moved to the UK to continue his recovery, before being placed into an induced coma. Complications quickly arose and Correa was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Failure once transferred to a specialist hospital in London.
He came out of that induced coma on Sept. 21. On Saturday, his family issued another update, saying he has made a “fast-paced” recovery and faces a crucial surgery after opting against a reconstructive amputation of his right foot.
The statement said: “Earlier this week, Juan Manuel was transferred to a new hospital in London, England that specializes in orthopedic surgeries as the focus shifts from his lungs to his lower body extremities.
“Juan Manuel is now fully conscious, and his lungs have recovered much faster than anticipated. His overall physical improvement and willpower has doctors impressed. The main objective this week has been to get Juan Manuel in the best condition possible for his surgery on Sunday that will be 10+ hours in duration.
“Sunday’s surgery will be crucial in determining Juan Manuel’s future. Doctors will have, for the first time since the accident, complete access to the wounds on his lower right leg. They will be able to determine the actual level of damage to his tibia, ankle, and foot. During surgery, they will save what can be saved and removed what needs to be removed in order to rebuild his right lower leg to the best possible condition.
“The surgeons are the top in their field and are cautiously optimistic given the fast-paced recovery that Juan Manuel has had in the previous week.
“The injuries that Juan Manuel sustained are severe, and the surgery procedure is very complex. Doctors gave Juan Manuel the option of right foot reconstructive amputation. He has chosen NOT to have the amputation and to proceed with the surgery, understanding all the challenges involved.
“Additional details will be provided on Juan Manuel’s condition when available.”
Correa was born in Ecuador, but moved to Miami aged 10. He races under the American flag. He was signed as a member of the Sauber Junior Team this year and tested a 2013 Formula One car seven days before the accident in Belgium.