Racing driver Mark Webber involved in a horrific crash after his car smashed into a wall and burst into flames in Brazil

Retired Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber has reportedly escaped injury after a high-speed crash in Brazil that saw his Porsche 919 burst into flames after he hit a wall. The 38-year-old was involved in a fiery accident in the last hour of a six hour World Endurance Championship race in São Paulo on Monday. A statement on Twitter from the FIA World Endurance Championship said: 'Webber is "awake and alert" in Medical centre.' His Porsche 919 collided with Italian driver Matteo Cressoni, who was driving the number 90 Ferrari 458 of 8 Star Motorsports, and then hit the wall. The former Red Bull driver, who had qualified in pole position for the race, signalled to cameras with a thumbs-up that he was fine as he was being carried away on a stretcher. The accident comes just days after the world of Australian sport was rocked by the tragic death of 25-year-old cricketer Phillip Hughes.