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Finnish Driver Juha Miettinen Dies in Multi-Car Crash During Nürburgring Qualifying

A formal inquiry now follows the cancellation of Saturday's running.

Overview

  • The opening laps of the first qualifying race on the Nordschleife saw a crash that involved at least seven cars.
  • Juha Miettinen, 66, driving a BMW 325i No. 121, was removed from the car and died at the circuit medical centre after resuscitation attempts.
  • Race control red-flagged the session and canceled further track activity for the day, and organizers will hold a minute of silence before Sunday's start.
  • Six other drivers were checked at the track and nearby hospitals, and officials said none suffered life-threatening injuries.
  • Officials are reconstructing how the collision unfolded on the 15.8-mile Nordschleife, a demanding course that mixes pros and amateurs in heavy traffic and drew added attention with entrants such as Max Verstappen, who posted condolences.