Michael Schumacher's nephew was caught up in a dangerous crash during the Hockenheim DTM event which saw one car catch fire as its engine components were blown off.
The opening race had already been plagued by a safety car period following an earlier incident when Thomas Preining and David Schumacher jostled for position on lap 6. As both drivers braked for Turn 8, their cars careered into the barriers at high speed before rebounding back onto the track.
The incident forced Dennis Olsen to take drastic action in his SSR Porsche, but after losing control of his car, the Norwegian flew into the barrier on the other side of the track. And the ferocious impact caused very alarming scenes, with engine components ending up scattered everywhere as part of the vehicle went up in flames.
Schumacher, in a Winward Mercedes, and title chasing Preining, driving for Bernhard Porsche, were also left lamenting heavy damage to their vehicles. However, all drivers involved were able to escape before some were taken to the medical centre for check-ups, according to Motorsport.com .
The race was red flagged immediately, with all cars returning to the pitlane. Matters eventually resumed at 2:25pm after one lap behind the safety car.
Prior to the chaos, the race had already been disrupted by Philipp Eng and Nico Muller clashing, with multiple cars caught up in a subsequent pile up. A safety car had also been deployed on the opening lap in what proved a turbulent afternoon for Hockenheim officials.
Motorsport fans on Twitter reacted with shock as images went viral, with @AndreASNetto saying: "Simply an engine in the middle of the track in the DTM. I don't think I've ever seen such a scene. what an ugly accident."
@JunaidSamodien_ posted a picture of Olsen's destroyed vehicle with the caption: "Such a big crash that the engine is on the circuit. It could be a Porsche engine," while @estebestiee added: "DTM season finale is always a chaotic mess."
Schumacher, the son of Michael's brother Ralf, is in his first season of touring car action after four years in Formula 3. The 20-year-old had previously started out in karting championships, like his esteemed Uncle and father.
