F3 driver Sophia Floersch fractures her spine in horror crash

Sophia Floersch, a 17-year-old Formula 3 driver, is to undergo surgery after fracturing her spine in a crash during the Macau Grand Prix.

Ms Floersch was admitted to hospital following the crash after she lost control driving into a bend and was catapulted out of the track and into the photographers' bunker after colliding with fellow driver Sho Tsuboi.

The race was immediately suspended.

Ms Floersch is a German racer who drives with Van Amersfoort Racing.

The teenager tweeted on Sunday: "Just wanted to let everybody know that I am fine but will be going into surgery tomorrow (Monday) morning ... Update soon."

She thanked her professional partners, including Mercedes, for "taking great care" of her and to "everybody for the supporting messages".

In a statement posted on social media, motor sport's governing body FIA said "the driver (Floersch) is conscious and has subsequently been taken to hospital for further evaluation".

It added that Ms Tsuboi and "two members of the media and one marshal were also transferred to a local hospital in a conscious state for further evaluation".