Martin Donnelly's 1990 F1 crash anniversary

Thirty-six years ago, on September 28, 1990, Formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly was involved in one of the most severe non-fatal accidents in the sport's history during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez.

While driving for Team Lotus, a front suspension failure caused Donnelly to lose control at approximately 280 km/h. The impact was so violent that his Lotus-Lamborghini 102 chassis snapped in two, tearing open the monocoque and ejecting Donnelly from the wreckage while he was still strapped to his seat.

FIA doctor Sid Watkins arrived at the scene to clear Donnelly's airways and prevent choking. The driver sustained severe brain and lung injuries, as well as multiple fractures to his legs and collarbone, leading to an induced coma and several complex surgeries.