The FIA has confirmed that former Grand Prix driver Martin Donnelly will make his inaugural appearance as the drivers’ representative on the stewards’ panel for this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix.
The Northern Irishman started 13 Grands Prix for Arrows and Team Lotus in 1989-90, before his career was cut short when he suffered life-threatening injuries when his car slammed into the crash barriers during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.
His car completely disintegrated and poor Donnelly was thrown onto the track, still strapped to his seat.
But for prompt medical assistance he would certainly have succumbed to his injuries, but he incredibly survived and his recovery was both long and painful.
Having now fully recovered, Donnelly has continued his relationship with the Lotus name as a team owner in the Lotus Elise Trophy and more recently as a race-winner in the Lotus UK Cup.
[Image via The Cahier Archive]
Richard Bailey
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