WTCC Hungary 2013: Tarquini and Engstler taken to hospital

Gabriele Tarquini and Franz Engstler have been given the all clear by local medics at the Budapest Military Hospital after a monster crash in race two at the Hungaroring on Sunday.

As the pack jostled for position at turn two on the opening lap, Tarquini made contact with Yvan Muller, which pitched the Honda driver driver sideways into the barrier. As his Castrol-backed car re-entered the track, he was collected by Engstler, who had nowhere to go.

Tarquini emerged from his car, walking over to the barrier, but a neck-brace was needed as a precautionary measure. Engstler was also walking and even climbed over the fence before making his way back to the pits, but was said be feeling pain in his back and chest.

After the race, the FIA made an official statement on the condition of the drivers, confirming both had been taken to the local hospital.

"Gabriele is still suffering from pains in his neck, a consequence of the violent crash which occurred during today's second race," the missive confirmed, "Therefore he will be kept under observation until tomorrow morning.

"Engstler, the other driver involved has already been discharged."

Tarquini was eventually discharged in the early hours of this morning, and a message was posted on Twitter by the official Honda Racing WTCC team on behalf of the touring car legend, who thanked fans for their concern and updated followers on his condition.

"Eventually the hospital let me go!" the post read, "Thank you all for your concern, I'm in pain but still in one piece!"

Tarquini and Engstler will return to action as the Salzburgring for the Austrian round of the championship in two weeks' time.

by Dexter Fielding