Niki Lauda Receives Lung Transplant

NIKI LAUDA RECEIVES LUNG TRANSPLANT

    Three-time Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda has undergone a lung transplant in Austria.

    The Mercedes non-executive chairman had been taken to hospital with a “severe cough” he’d picked up in Ibiza.

    “Due to severe affection of the lungs, Niki Lauda had to undergo a lung transplantation at the AKH Vienna today,” said a statement from the Vienna General Hospital, where Lauda is being treated.

    “The transplantation was done successfully by Walter Kepetko, head of thoracic surgery, and Konrad Hotzenecker."

    “We kindly ask for your understanding that the family won’t give any official statements and we ask to protect the privacy of the Lauda family.”

    Kepetko told local media that Lauda was making good progress, but his recovery period would likely be longer than the usual two to three week period due to his age.

    He added that Lauda’s 1976 Nurburgring accident, in which he inhaled toxic gases and flames, was not the cause of the transplant.

    “One can absolutely assume that lung transplantation is not a late consequence of the fire accident,” he told broadcaster ORF.

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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Austrian GP: Circuit Preview

The Austrian Grand Prix hasn't been on the F1 calendar for years now, but it's finally making its return. Home race of Niki Lauda and also know for its long straights, the return is sure to impress.

The "Red Bull Ring" is located in Spielberg , Styria, Austria and opened in 1964. It's gone through many changes over the years, including the removing of turns and changing names. The current version has 10 turns and is 2.688 Miles in length.

The last race, had 69 laps, but this year it will be 71. Like most, this circuit also runs Clockwise. This circuit gives so many opportunities to overtake thanks to its many long straights.

The last race was held in 2003, where Michael who started on Pole Position, went on to win. Kimi Raikkonen, then driving for Mclaren, finished in Second. Rubens Barrichello, Michael's team-mate, made it a double podium for Ferrari, when he scored Third.

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.

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Sources: wikipedia.com & f1.com