Billy Monger secures first GP win since near-fatal crash cost him both his legs
20-year-old Briton had his legs amputated following high-speed crash during Formula 4 race at Donington Park in 2017
Monday 20 May 2019 08:35, UK
Racing driver Billy Monger has celebrated his first victory since a near-fatal crash cost him both of his legs.
The 20-year-old, from Surrey, said he was "over the moon" after winning the Grand Prix de Pau in southwest France, which he managed by overtaking almost the entire grid in his specially-adapted car.
He tweeted: "PAU GP Championsss!!! Can't believe it, I didn't think 2 years on I'd be winning races! Huge shout out to the team @CarlinRacing for all their hard work. Over the moon."
Monger had his legs amputated following a high-speed crash during a Formula 4 race at Donington Park two years ago, but has remained committed to forging a top-level career in motorsport.
Last year, he told Sky News his long-term aim was to get into Formula 1.
The fairy-tale win in Euroformula Open on Sunday came after a late decision at the end of the last warm-up lap to switch to wet-weather tyres, having qualified in 11th place on slick tyres.
It proved to be a worthwhile gamble, as he cut through the field and took full advantage of a collision between Motopark duo Julian Hanses and Liam Lawson to take the lead.
He held on to first place until the end to secure victory.
