Overview
- A multi-car pileup at the Caracciola-Karussell during Saturday’s first qualifying race triggered a red flag within the opening half hour.
- Driver Juha Miettinen, competing in BMW #121, was extracted from his car and died at the circuit medical center despite resuscitation attempts.
- Six other drivers were transported for medical checks at the track and nearby hospitals and were not reported to be in life-threatening condition.
- Officials are investigating reports of fluid on the track that may have reduced grip and contributed to the chain collision.
- Organizers canceled the remainder of Saturday’s session and will run Sunday’s program as planned with a minute of silence before the grid is set.