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Billy Monger: Formula 4 driver who lost legs in crash wants to get back behind wheel

A teenage racing driver who lost both legs after a "horrific" crash is already trying to work out...



Billy Monger: Formula 4 driver...
Golf

Billy Monger: Formula 4 driver who lost legs in crash wants to get back behind wheel

A teenage racing driver who lost both legs after a "horrific" crash is already trying to work out how he can get back behind the wheel.

Billy Monger was left in a critical condition after colliding with a stationary car at 120mph during a Formula 4 event at Donington Park, Derbyshire, on Sunday.

The 17-year-old driver was trapped for over 90 minutes before being flown to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, where doctors put him in an induced coma.

Billy has had both lower limbs amputated.

Steven Hunter, manager of Billy's racing team JHR Developments, told Sky News he came around from his coma on Wednesday, with his parents and sister at his bedside.

Support

Mr Hunter said that despite his devastating injuries, he is "100% sure" Billy will be able to overcome his ordeal.

He said: "He has always been a remarkable young man and he's proving yet again his strength and his resilience.

"I've never had a driver that puts so much effort and time into ensuring he produces the best he possibly can.

"Billy's already had his hands up pretending to use a steering wheel and seeing if he can use a hand clutch in his own imagination."

He added: "You'll never take the racing driver out of the racing driver, so I wouldn't put it past him."

A fundraising campaign to raise money for Billy's rehabilitation and prosthetics is gathering pace.

It has already raised more than £500,000 - doubling the target of £260,000.

Donations

The appeal has attracted support from the likes of racing stars Lewis Hamilton, Jensen Button and Max Verstappen, as well as Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson.

Button, who has donated £15,000, wrote on Instagram: "Hey guys this fellow racer Billy Monger had a big shunt this past weekend at Donington and sadly Billy has had amputations to both legs.

"This guy needs our help so if you can please donate, I will be doing as much as I can to help this dude out.

"The donations will be used to fund the care, treatments and therapies required by Billy in the immediate future and going forward, helping him to return to a full and active life."

The crash, described as "one of the most horrific motorsport has ever seen", happened during round six of the British Formula 4 Championship.

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