German World Cup stars in car crash Published duration 27 May 2014

image copyright AFP image caption The accident occurred near the German team's hotel in northern Italy

Two members of the German World Cup squad have been involved in a car accident at a driving event which left two others injured in northern Italy.

Benedikt Hoewedes and Julian Draxler were passengers in separate cars in the Mercedes event on a closed circuit.

One of the cars, with professional touring car driver Pascal Wehrlein at the wheel, struck two men near the team hotel, leaving one seriously hurt.

The footballers were not injured in the accident, and have resumed training.

The other car was being driven by Mercedes Formula One driver, Nico Rosberg.

Hoewedes and Draxler play for German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 and have been selected to represent their country in next month's World Cup in Brazil.

Mercedes-Benz Motorsport said in a statement: "We will work in full cooperation with the authorities in determining the exact circumstances of the accident."

image copyright AFP image caption Midfielder Julian Draxler (l) and defender Benedikt Hoewedes both play for Bundesliga side Schalke 04

image copyright AFP image caption One man was airlifted to hospital following the crash

image copyright Reuters image caption Formula One driver Nico Rosberg later tweeted of his "shock" at the accident

The seriously injured man was a 63-year-old German tourist, local media said.

The other man is believed to be a circuit marshal. Both men were taken to hospital.

Rosberg, currently in first place in the driver's championship, expressed shock at the accident.

"My thoughts are with the two people who were injured and I wish them a fast recovery" he said on twitter.