LE MANS, France − Former Formula One champion Nigel Mansell escaped serious injury after crashing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans just 18 minutes into the race on Saturday.
Mansell spun in his Ginetta-Zytek and hit the security barrier before the Indianapolis turn. Mansell spent several minutes in his car but was conscious when he was evacuated in an ambulance. Organizers later said he was in a good condition.
Mansell was taken to the circuit's medical center and escaped ``with a bump on the head,'' organizers said.
The 56-year-old British driver was racing for the first time at Le Mans, with his sons Greg and Leo. Mansell won the F1 title in 1992.
Peugeot took an early lead with its cars holding the four top positions before the safety car entered the 8.45-mile Circuit de la Sarthe.
After an interruption of about 30 minutes, racing resumed with Frenchman Franck Montagny moving into first place in a Peugeot 908 HDI when Pedro Lamy pitted for the first time in his Peugeot.
The French manufacturer's hopes of a sweep were dashed when Lamy had to retire because of suspension damage after less than three hours of racing.
Peugeot clinched the pole position after former Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais of France posted the best time in qualifying.
After 47 laps, the Peugeot of Stephane Sarrazin was leading the race ahead of teammate Anthony Davidson, who set the fastest lap speed of 151.7 mph, covering the circuit in 3 minutes, 21.208 seconds on lap 36.
Peugeot is bidding for a second straight victory. The French manufacturer ended Audi's five-year domination at Le Mans last year when it claimed its first win since 1993.
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