The Maltese rally driver involved in a high-speed crash in Sicily on Sunday said he tried his best to stop but could not get clear of spectators crammed in an emergency slip road.

Eight people were injured during the hill climb race in Piedimonte.

Ryan Mangion said yesterday that when the car developed a throttle malfunction he only had “a split second” to decide what to do.

“When I tried to use the escape road [meant for emergencies] I saw it was full of people who had ignored signs directing them to leave that area clear,” he said.

He said he tried desperately to brake but there was not much he could do. His Ford Escort Mk1 crashed into spectators in the exit road, leaving a woman and a 15-year-old boy badly injured. The boy reportedly suffered “internal injuries” and the woman had a cracked pelvis.

Mr Mangion, who was not injured, has been competing in hill climb races for several years and is regarded as an experienced driver, having won a number of top honours in tough international competitions.

Witnesses said Mr Mangion was lucky not to have been injured since he was driving a left-hand drive vehicle and the impact was on the right side of the car. The vehicle was also equipped with a driver’s safety cage, which was just as well, because, parked behind the spectators in the emergency slip road was a large tow truck.

Another two Maltese were also taking part in the race, which was suspended after the crash.

Commentators on the social media raised concerns that the sport only made it to the headlines when accidents occurred.