Indycar crash: Driver in critical condition

ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania -  Justin Wilson sustained severe head injuries and is in critical condition after he was struck by debris from another car during the closing laps of the penultimate race in the IndyCar Series on Sunday (August 23).

Officials confirm Wilson is in a coma.

Wilson, a former Formula 1 driver and seven-times winner in IndyCar racing, was airlifted to hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania and will remain there for further evaluation, IndyCar officials added.

HIT THE WALL

Wilson's car was apparently out of control after being hit by the debris and veered into the wall at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania.

His Andretti Autosport team mate Ryan Hunter-Reay, who went on to win the 805km race, said he had not heard of the Briton's condition in hospital though he had been unconscious at the track.

Hunter-Reay said: "All I know is that he was unconscious. He was not responding. He was airlifted. That's all obviously very bad details."

Watch a video of the crash here:

OUT OF CONTROL

Wilson's crash was reminiscent of a 2009 incident when Brazil's Felipe Massa was struck in the helmet by a spring from Rubens Barichello's car during qualifying for the Hungarian GP and had to undergo surgery.

IndyCar Series posted a medical update on Justin Wilson:

Medical update on @justin_wilson #INDYCAR #PrayersForJustin pic.twitter.com/jy98qhh1k6

— IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) August 24, 2015