Buzzin F1 - Formula One Blog

Martin Whitmarsh, the McLaren executive, is hopeful that Heikki Kovalainen, will be fit for the Turkey Grand Prix in two weeks time.

After Heikki spent the night in hospital, Whitmarsh was quoted as saying, “Heikki has had a full head scan and, thankfully, there was no bruising.  He will have a body scan but at the moment we are hopeful he will be at the next race in Turkey in two weeks.  He was lucid in hospital.  In fact, he was jolly, which is typical of Heikki.”

Whitmarsh confirmed the severity of the Barcelona crash and said that he had also had a look at the remains of the McLaren.  He added “When you see the state of the chassis it is a frightening thing to look at.”

Jackie Stewart, the former Formula One Champion said it was a miracle that Kovalainen managed to escape with only concussion from an impact that was measured by telemetry at 26G.

Mark Webber thinks that it is now the time to look at the run-off area at the Circuit de Catalunya’s high-speed Campsa corner.  He wrote in his column for the BBC that “The first thing to say is that the run-off on that corner is too tight and we need to have a look at it.”  He said that the he had inspected turn nine during a lap of the Barcelona layout on a scooter on Thursday afternoon, and it is “probably the worst section of the whole track” to crash.

In a report Kovalainen has said before being released from hospital “I have a slight headache and a stiff neck, but apart from that I am feeling well and in good spirits.  My focus is on getting better as soon as possible so I can pass the FIA medical inspection required to allow me to race in Turkey.”

When asked if he remembered the accident, he said “I don’t remember anything from the accident or what happened afterwards but would obviously like to thank all the circuit emergency staff, the FIA medical team at the track and the doctors at the hospital for all their efforts in looking after me.  Also thank you for all the messages I have received - they all mean a lot.”

He was asked what he thought might have caused the accident, and said “The team told me that the left front wheel rim might have broken which could have led to the sudden deflation of the tyre.  However, we have to wait for further inspections to be able to confirm the exact cause.  What is especially important is the fact that the monocoque withstood the heavy impact, so credit should also be given to everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for that.”