Australian Alex Peroni says he will return to racing as soon as his body is ready, following a serious crash at Monza earlier this month.
The Tasmanian is now making his way back to Australia after he sensationally went airborne at 250kph during a FIA Formula 3 race at the Italian Grand Prix.
At the time of the crash, he seemed relatively uninjured when he was soon escorted off the track and walked into a waiting medical car.
However after undergoing a range of tests at the San Gerardo hospital, doctors have since diagnosed the 19-year-old with a fractured vertebra, requiring him to wear a back brace for the next 30 days and have total rest for the period.
Peroni’s injury has put his promising 2019 season to end with the youngster unable to race in the final round in Sochi, as well as being unlikely to be race-fit by November’s Macau Grand Prix.
Now discharged from the Italian hospital, Peroni is now on his way back to Hobart and manager David Quinn revealed just how severe the crash was.
"In the accident Alex suffered concussion as well as a back injury when his car landed heavily after being launched high into the air by a trackside kerb," Quinn said.
"While Alex is in good spirits and keen to resume racing as soon as possible, the first priority is his full recovery which will necessarily take time. Therefore everyone, including Alex, needs to be patient."
Despite the Campos Racing driver unable to compete in any events for the remainder of the year, Quinn is hopeful it will not put a dent in his aspirations to race in Formula 1.
“We've been operating on comparatively shoe-string budgets each year, so the Monza accident presents a further challenge for us,” Quinn added.
“But everyone in Alex's fundraising team is committed to doing what we can to support his recovery and journey towards Formula 1.
"For the past four seasons it's been a constant struggle just to contest one international junior series each year, let alone pay for additional out-of-series track testing, simulator sessions and non-championship racing that some other drivers are able to fund. All of these activities make a significant contribution to success at this level.
“Many of Alex’s competitors have substantial family and/or corporate backing to provide these additional opportunities. To them, unexpected costs, such as accident damage, are no object.
“Alex can be proud of his achievements to date. Despite this setback he has the potential to follow in the wheel tracks of Daniel Ricciardo as Australia’s next Formula 1 star.”