Two weeks after the dramatic pile-up at the Shanghai International Circuit, British driver Ollie Millroy received clearance to leave the Shanghai United Family Hospital. The 36-year-old suffered fractures to six ribs, a broken collarbone and hand, plus a punctured lung that required a drainage tube and several operations to secure plates and screws. Thanks to intensive care and the unwavering support of his wife Fern, Millroy was able to join a video interview from his hospital bed, meet his rescuer Loek Hartog in person, and finally walk out of the facility with a bag of medication.
From fire to recovery: the rescue that changed everything
During Race 1 of the China GT Championship, Millroy’s Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo ignited after a multi-car collision. While the safety marshals’ response lagged, fellow competitor Loek Hartog stopped his Porsche, ran to the burning car and pulled Millroy to safety. The incident captured global attention and highlighted the camaraderie among drivers. After the rescue, Millroy underwent surgery on his collarbone and lung, and the following day a scan confirmed the pneumothorax had cleared, allowing doctors to remove the chest drainage tube. “On Friday, we took a big step forward,” Millroy wrote, noting the removal of the tube and his first venture beyond his room to the hospital café.
Reflecting on the experience, Millroy shared, “They say you should never meet your heroes. Well, I have to say I disagree! I’d like to thank Loek for visiting me in hospital in Shanghai on Thursday.” He described a dinner-style conversation at his bedside, expressing gratitude to the surgeons, nurses, and the entire medical team. “Exactly two weeks after my crash in Shanghai, I’ve been discharged from hospital. Body strapped up with a bagful of medication, it’s time to continue healing at home,” he added, emphasizing a newfound appreciation for life and for the teammates who look out for each other.
Fran Rueda steps into the Ferrari for Petit Le Mans
With Millroy’s recovery slated to last several weeks, Inception Racing announced that FIA Silver-rated Spaniard Fran Rueda will take the wheel of the team’s Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo at next month’s Motul Petit Le Mans the ten-hour finale of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Rueda, who previously raced with Millroy in a McLaren at the 24 Hours of Spa, expressed both disappointment at the circumstances and readiness to help the squad. “I’d have liked it to be under different circumstances but I’m also happy to be able to help the team while Ollie is recovering,” he told Sportscar365.
Rueda joins regular co-drivers Frederik Schandorff and Bob Akin Award contender Brendan Iribe in the GTD entry. Team manager Bas Leinders confirmed that Rueda was the top choice, noting the personal friendship between him and Millroy. Rueda will test the Ferrari at Road Atlanta the week before the race and will also act as a driver coach for Iribe during the ongoing “Battle on the Bricks” weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Leinders highlighted the broader team objective: securing the Bob Akin Award to earn an automatic invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year. While Millroy remains in contact with the crew via voice messages and texts, the plan is for him to resume seat time after a two-month hiatus, targeting a return for the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.
