Flörsch confirms plans for racing comeback in 2019

Sophia Flörsch has confirmed her plans to return to Formula 3 in 2019 once her recovery from her Macau Grand Prix crash is complete.

Flörsch, 18, sustained a spinal fracture in a high-speed accident at the Macau Formula 3 finale last month that left her requiring surgery, but she has since returned home and is confirmed to have “no fear of paralysis."

Flörsch raced in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship through 2018, and will remain in the category – renamed Formula European Masters – for 2019 once her recovery is complete.

“I am convinced that the Formula European Masters is the perfect race series for me,” Flörsch said.

“The car is fantastic. It offers young drivers the opportunity to learn a lot. This is demonstrated by history. After all, countless racing drivers learned their trade in these cars and their predecessors to make it to the top categories of motor racing, afterwards. And the DTM environment is fantastic!

“I love to keep on competing for Van Amersfoort Racing as I feel really comfortable in the team. It certainly wasn’t easy at the beginning as I had absolutely no Formula 3 experience. But they taught me a lot and now I want to celebrate successes with them.”

Flörsch is aiming to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car in the early part of 2019.

“When I watched the video of my accident for the first time it felt somewhat surreal. I know that I was lucky and am thankful that the Dallara is such a safe car,” Flörsch said.

“I already may begin with gentle training and hope that I will be able to get into the cockpit of my racing car, in spring.

“If my rehabilitation runs as planned and I won’t enter the season with leeway, it’s my goal to regularly make it to the top five and secure a win, every now and then.” 

“Despite having joined the 2018 season late she did a really good job,” said Van Amersfoort Racing team boss Frits van Amersfoort.

“Nonetheless, there still are things she can learn in the Formula European Masters. But she also will make use of her experience to regularly try to battle it out for top-10 positions.

“We are delighted that Sophia will keep on racing for us as she’s a real asset to our team with her motivation.

“As soon as she has fully recovered, we will have a car ready for her."