What started as a routine training day in the desert turned into a life-altering nightmare for one of motorsport’s most experienced technicians.
Now, almost four years later, Matt “Bubba” Finney is fighting back—with a £5 million lawsuit aimed at one of Britain’s leading racing firms.
A Devastating Accident in the Desert
Matt Finney, a 52-year-old rally car technician with over two decades of experience, was preparing a powerful Prodrive Hunter T1+ vehicle for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
While refuelling the car during a simulated desert run, something went catastrophically wrong.
According to legal documents, a sudden burst of fuel sprayed out from the nozzle.
In the chaos that followed, Finney slipped on spilled fuel and was instantly engulfed in flames.
Racing fuel, which is known for its volatility, ignited within seconds.
Months in a Coma and Years of Recovery
The injuries Finney suffered were extreme.
He sustained severe burns across most of his body—including his face, chest, limbs, and even his throat.
Emergency responders rushed him through rough desert terrain to a hospital in Dubai, where he was placed in a medically induced coma for three months.
His recovery was long and agonizing.
He underwent multiple skin grafts and surgical procedures during a four-month hospital stay before he could even return to the UK.
Lawsuit Filed Against Motorsports Giant Prodrive
Now, Finney is taking legal action against Prodrive Motorsport Ltd, the company behind the vehicle involved in the accident.
His claim? That the accident was the result of poor safety standards, inadequate training, and faulty equipment.
Prodrive is no small name in racing—they’re the creators behind rally legend Colin McRae’s Subaru Impreza and even build race cars for Lewis Hamilton’s X44 electric racing team.
But Finney’s legal team says that reputation doesn’t excuse the dangerous environment he was placed in.
Who Is to Blame?
While Finney argues that Prodrive failed to properly train staff or provide the correct safety measures, the company insists he’s responsible for his own injuries.
Their version of events claims he didn’t wear appropriate protective gear and tried refuelling the car while it was still too hot.
Their lawyers argue that if Finney had followed protocol—such as working with at least two other crew members—the fuel leak might have been stopped before the fire ignited.
They also say the Piusi Ex50 pump he used was safe at the time, as temperatures were still below 40°C, which is the limit of its operating range.
Legal Wrangling Begins in High Court
With both sides sticking to very different stories, the case recently came before the High Court.
Master Gary Thornett is overseeing early legal arguments about what evidence will be allowed during the trial.
No trial date has been confirmed yet.
One major point of contention is whether the specific pump used during the incident was appropriate for desert use—and whether enough staff were present and trained to handle it safely.
Ongoing Pain and Life-Altering Trauma
Though Finney has made attempts to return to work, his health has never been the same.
His lawyers say he’s plagued by chronic pain, intense scarring, flashbacks, and mental trauma.
While he’s taken on limited desk duties, he can no longer perform the hands-on technical work he once thrived in.
Most recently, Finney also suffered a stroke.
His legal team now believes it may be linked to the trauma his body endured during the burn injuries.
They’re calling on medical experts in stroke medicine to help determine if there’s a connection between the two events.
What Comes Next?
As technical experts continue to investigate the root cause of the fire, both legal teams are preparing for a complex trial that may shine a light on safety standards within high-risk motorsports.
At stake is not just the £5 million Finney seeks in compensation—but a wider conversation about how much protection is truly given to those who work behind the scenes in elite racing.
For now, the court battle remains ongoing, with the case set to return at a later date for further hearings.