Juan Manuel Correa is returning to racing this year in the FIA Formula 3 championship, 18 months after suffering life-threatening injuries in a Formula 2 crash.
The accident at Spa-Francorchamps left Correa with 20 fractures in both legs, along with two fractured vertebrae and lung damage. He was placed into an induced coma with life support for two weeks.
French driver Anthoine Hubert, who was also involved in the incident, passed away just hours afterwards.
Correa was on the trajectory to Formula 1, graduating to F2 in 2019. Before that, he raced for M2 Competition in the 2018 Toyota Racing Series, claiming wins at Teretonga and Taupo.
This year Correa will race for top F3 outfit ART GP in the full seven-round series, including a season finale at his home event in the United States.
“Announcing my return to the race tracks is one of the proudest moments in my professional career, as I’ve had to work very hard and sacrifice a lot for it to happen,” Correa said. “I want to thank the motorsport community and the fans for their unconditional support.
“I have no words to thank ART Grand Prix for believing in me and for being part of my story. I would also like to take a chance to honor the memory of Anthoine, as I will keep him very close to my heart in every race and try to carry his legacy as best as I can.”
Correa has raced in F3 previously, having a full year with Jenzer Motorsport in 2018. He ended the championship 12th in the standings before stepping up to F2.
“Since his horrendous accident in Spa, on August 30th 2019, Juan Manuel has been through a lot of phases, always fighting while keeping in mind that he did not want to give up on his dream to keep racing at the highest possible level,” said ART Team Principal Sebastien Philippe.
“Juan Manuel is an example of bravery and tenacity, and ART Grand Prix is proud to give him the opportunity to return to racing. He is extremely strong mentally, and he is still fighting to be as fit as possible.
“Behind the wheel, his talent is immense, as shown by his achievements in go-karts and then his first few years in motorsport.”
