Photo: Mascot Motorsport

Malte Ebdrup working on return after violent Ring Djursland crash

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Malte Ebdrup was left unharmed but without a race car following his violent crash during warm up for the TCR Denmark races at Ring Djursland which were cancelled due to the barrier damage.

“It was my first flying lap, so it was just full speed down the long straight, and when I stepped on the brakes, the pedal just went to the bottom,” said Ebdrup.

“It went insanely fast. After all, we drive around 180 km/h there, so I managed to get the car into a slide before I started preparing for the crash. I just thought that this was going to hurt, and so I tensed up my body as best I could.”

The incident was caused by a brake failure at the fastest point of the circuit and the young Dane cleared the barriers and landed on the other side of the circuit, nearly hitting Mascot Motorsport team-mate Kasper Jensen.

“I actually didn’t have time to think before the car landed again. I think it’s because so much happened so fast,” said Ebdrup.

“I quickly called over the radio that I had had a total brake failure and that I was OK, and then I rushed out of the car and gave the OK sign. Right there, something went through my head. Mostly because I could see that that Honda didn’t turn into a Honda again, and then thoughts began both about the season and especially the economy.”

The 17-year-old’s Honda Civic Type R FK7 TCR is a write-off and Ebdrup is currently trying to find a solution to get back racing in the championship for the next race at Padborg Park which is less than two weeks away.

“A TCR car is solidly built, and I’m very grateful for that today. It was very clear how the cage has taken some huge hits, and that I can settle for a rather sore body and a few marks all around is just proof of how well such a car is built,” said Ebdrup.

“And then I am impressed by the community in the sport. Everyone, both drivers and mechanics, have been there to give a pat on the back and show their sympathy. Several have even said that they will help get me back on the track for the rest of the season. It warms up in such a situation.

“When you start a season, you don’t budget with a totally damaged race car. So now we have to find out what the options are, but I really hope that we can find a solution so that I can finish the season.”