TOM'S driver Sasahara was involved in a terrifying incident in the first of two races at the Japanese Grand Prix venue, as his car was launched up and over the catch fencing after contact with the Nakajima Racing machine of Hiroki Otsu.
Sasahara's car finally came to rest just before the first Degner Curve, having plunged all the way down the steep hill that lies beside the famous Suzuka underpass.
While the 27-year-old was forced to miss the following day's final race due to concussion, he was later cleared of any serious injuries and was able to participate in last weekend's Super GT finale at Motegi.
Following that race, Sasahara shared his memories of the crash and its aftermath, describing the fact that he escaped serious harm as a "miracle" that left even his doctors stunned.
"I remember everything about the incident," he told Motorsport.com's Japanese edition. "I never imagined the car would fly that far.
"I think the officials didn’t realise where I was initially. But once they realised, the officials and doctors did a great job to get me out so quickly, and luckily I wasn’t injured so I could participate in this weekend’s Super GT race.
"I was diagnosed with a mild concussion, because when you have a crash that big it’s inevitable you will hit your head against the headrest.
"The tough thing was that because I was upside down, the blood rushed to my head and I couldn’t get out of the car by myself. But honestly after that, it was almost like nothing had happened.
Source: Autosport