Formula One news

Kovalainen to be released from hospital on Monday

Heikki Kovalainen will be released from the hospital on Monday evening. Following his accident in Sunday's race Kovalainen was taken to the Hospital General de Catalunya in Sant Cugat del Valles in Spain. The team has established that Heikki's speed was approximately 240km/h when the tyre deflated and about 130km/h when he hit the tyre barrier. He experienced a 27g deceleration.

CT scans at the hospital confirmed that Heikki had no head injuries and no broken bones but the Finn was kept in overnight for observation. This morning Heikki underwent further tests and scans which all went positively and showed no problems. Consequently Heikki will be released from hospital on Monday evening. He will then stay in Spain for a few days relaxing before returning home to start a light training programme.

Even though he had to experience 27G on his body the Fin feels reasonably good. "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," 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."

more news

• 04 Jul.
  • Alonso's engine problem didn't surprise the team
  • Photos: Friday at Silverstone
  • McLaren drivers happy with first day at Silverstone
  • Mixed day for Williams drivers
  • Clutch problems for Glock, new rear wing for Trulli
  • Steady start for Red Bull drivers
  • Donington pleased with F1 contract
  • Kovalainen fastest in the afternoon
  • British Grand Prix moves to Donington
  • Fastest time and heavy crash for Massa
  • British drivers will miss Coulthard
  • Batmobile challenges Glock at Silverstone
• 03 Jul.
  • Webber extends Red Bull contract
  • Horner will miss good friend and gentleman Coulthard
  • Coulthard to retire at end of season
  • New at GPUpdate.net: Live reports
  • Photos: Thursday at Silverstone
  • Massa targets British podium
  • Raikkonen to use new engine
  • Ecclestone leaves door open for British Grand Prix
• 02 Jul.
  • Singapore Grand Prix to build 1,600 extra seats
  • Webber: We cannot afford to lose Silverstone too
  • Sutil expects step forward
• 01 Jul.
  • Fisichella doing fine after heavy crash
  • Toro Rosso happy with its current drivers
  • Toyota joins forces with Batman
  • Coulthard optimistic for second half of the year
  • Rosberg expects better performance at Silverstone
  • Paul Ricard boss steps down
  • Silverstone Tech File
• 30 Jun.
  • Photos: Coulthard and Bourdais enjoy Bull event in Pamplona
  • Coulthard and Bourdais enjoy Bull event in Pamplona
  • Championship lead means little to Massa
  • Button: British Grand Prix is something special
  • Bourdais' future in Formula 1 uncertain
• 28 Jun.
  • Hamilton determined to win at Silverstone
• 27 Jun.
  • Kubica: We've lost ground on Ferrari and McLaren
  • Hill: Hamilton can win at Silverstone
  • Unfortunate day of testing for Coulthard and Glock
  • Force India introduces sharkfin engine cover

Homepage