German national team sponsor Mercedes proved why the money men should be kept away from World Cup training when their attempt to film a promotional spot with players Benedikt Hoewedes and Julian Draxler ended with two bystanders being taken to a hospital. The footballers were being driven around by race drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Rosberg, who just won the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

According to Bild, a 63-year-old German tourist was hit by 19-year-old Wehrlein as they did laps around a closed road in northern Italy. He was airlifted by helicopter to recieve treatment. The man's wife witnessed the accident and went into shock and a Mercedes employee was also hurt. The footballers and their drivers were rattled, but unhurt.

Here's Mercedes' statement on the matter (via Facebook):

An accident occurred during a visit to the training camp of the German National Football Team: while driving on a closed circuit, DTM driver Pascal Wehrlein injured two people whom he unexpectedly encountered walking on the closed course. We cannot offer any statement concerning the severity of injuries, as both injured parties are currently undergoing medical treatment. Pascal Wehrlein was uninjured in the accident. We deeply regret this accident and send wishes of quick recovery to the injured. We will work in full cooperation with the authorities in determining the exact circumstances of the accident.

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A training match between Germany's senior team and the U-20 squad scheduled for Tuesday night was canceled.

Mercedes shot a similar video with Rosberg, Michael Schumacher and members of the German national team before Euro 2012 that went a bit better. This is what they were trying to repeat...

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Brooks Peck is the editor of Dirty Tackle on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him or follow on Twitter! Follow @BrooksDT