Injury to sideline Vettel for weeks.

World Series by Renault and Formula Three Euro Series title contender Sebastian Vettel has had his championship hopes dashed after almost losing his finger in a crash that will likely put him out of action for several weeks.

The accident occurred in the first World Series race at a wet Spa-Francorchamps when Vettel spun at the top of Eau Rouge and hit the tyre wall backwards. A piece of wreckage from the crash hit his finger, cutting through the bone.

While doctors were able to save his finger, Vettel is not expected to be back in the cockpit for some weeks, effectively ending his hopes of a title challenge in both the World Series and the F3 Euro Series, the latter of which he currently holds second place in the championship.

The German only came into the World Series at the previous round at Misano as a replacement for Colin Fleming at Carlin, but after claiming two wins on his debut, he threw himself immediately into contention for the title.

Furthermore, Vettel will now not be able to race at next weekend's Formula Three Marlboro Masters at Zandvoort, a race he went in as one of the favourites to win.