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British Formula 4 racer Billy Monger has lost both of his lower legs after a horrific crash at Donington Park last weekend.

The 17-year-old JHR Developments driver collided with Patrik Pasma at high speed when completely unsighted as the Finn's car was stranded at Schwantz Curve.

Monger had to be airlifted to hospital after medics took nearly two hours to extract him from his car, and the extent of his injuries has now emerged.

Efforts made to save his legs were unsuccessful and a fundraising page has now been set up by JHR team boss Steven Hunter to support Monger's rehabilitation.

On the page, endorsed by Hunter and Monger's family, the youngster is described as "truly special" and "a cracking young man with a spark that makes it impossible for anyone not to like him".

The fundraising page is accesssible here.

Monger was in his second season of racing in F4 and is currently sixth in the standings after taking two podiums in the first five races of the year.



He was a race winner in Ginetta Junior racing, finishing fifth in the points in 2015, prior to his move to single-seaters.

Pasma was also taken to the same Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, by road, after the crash but was released on Monday without any serious injuries.

SUPPORT FLOODS IN FOR POPULAR RACER

Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill led a host of racing drivers and personnel in sending messages of support to Monger in the wake of the youngster's crash.

The 1996 champion tweeted on Sunday evening: "Every one wishing @BillyMonger the best possible outcome."

British F4 points leader Jamie Caroline - who has raced alongside Monger since the pair was in karts - shared pictures of the two on Facebook and wrote: "Love this little guy, and couldn't be more proud of everything he's achieved over the years!

"We've raced alongside each other every year of our careers bar one and can proudly say he's given me some of the best battles I've had!"

New British Touring Car Championship points leader Tom Ingram, who knows Monger through his own JHR affiliation, was among the others to share messages on Facebook.