Saturday July 20th, 2002
Jordan driver Giancarlo Fisichella was taken to hospital after escaping from a high-speed crash mid-way through the final practice before Saturday qualifying for the French Grand Prix.
The session was immediately halted after Italian Fisichella lost control of his Honda-powered machine when the front wing collapsed as he went over the kerbs on the exit of the fast and long right-hand Estoril corner.
The wing lodged under his car, lifting it up so the front wheels were in the air, and there was nothing Fisichella could do to prevent a collision with the oncoming tyre barriers.
The impact was heavy, and wiped out the nose and most of the left hand side of the Jordan but Fisichella was able to climb out of the stricken car after a brief wait.
He was seen removing his gloves and looking at his left hand at the scene of the crash before being driven to the medical centre for a check-up, but was sent to hospital for a second assessment.
The Italian driver could miss the qualifying session depending on the outcome of the trip to Nevers hospital, but a source at the circuit said he is likely to return in time to get onto the grid.
The session was stopped with 20 minutes remaining as the circuit organisers replaced the tyre barrier that was destroyed in the collision, and Fisichella's car was returned to its garage.
Published at 09:18:08 GMT