Middleton, who won the British GT4 championship in 2018, was set to take over from Imperiale Racing team-mate Alberto di Folco in the first of two one-hour Sprint Cup races but was clipped by the oncoming BMW M4 GT3 of Jens Klingmann which pulled into the box in front.
āThe BMW was sort of on the limit [coming into the pits], trying to make up ground on us from the start,ā Middleton told Autosport.
āHe came in tight because they knew it was critical to stop as fast as possible, and there was just no space for me to get around and get access to the door.
āI tried jumping out of the way, but it was to no avail. It was a side glancing blow and knocked me over, so not ideal to say the least.
āI knew as soon as I was down, the pain was like nothing Iāve ever experienced before, it was awful. I thought Iād broken everything.ā
Middleton was initially transported to the circuitās medical centre before being transferred to the nearby hospital where the diagnosis was given.
āThe doctors in Italy have said that itās a fracture or break in my wrist, and in my right toe, thereās a fracture as well,ā Middleton explained.
āMy left leg, it got twisted and bent in a really bad way, but I managed to avoid snapping it. There is some damage to the tendons and ligaments, but it needs further checks to see whatās going on with it.ā
Middleton was injured in the freak pit incident at Monza
Photo by: ACI Sport
He is back in the UK already and due to undergo a further MRI scan in his hometown of Newcastle later on Monday.
Di Folco, who had put the #6 Lamborghini Huracan on pole position, continued as a solo driver for the remainder of the race, finishing second on the road but incurring a one-minute sporting penalty as Middleton was unable to fulfil his second-driver duties.
However, di Folco took victory in the second race ā for which Middleton qualified second on the grid the previous day ā and dedicated his win to his stricken team-mate.
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