SOCHI, Russia (AP) – Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz Jr. has been declared fit to compete in the Russian Grand Prix after a high-speed crash in practice left him in hospital.
Sainz’s car penetrated the barriers in the heavy crash during Saturday’s final practice session in Sochi and the Spanish driver was airlifted to hospital, missing the qualifying session.
Sainz had originally been expected to spend the night in hospital but he was released Saturday evening, saying he was uninjured but sore.
The FIA said Sainz was examined by medical officials Sunday morning at the on-track medical center in Sochi and declared fit to race.
Sainz’s crash prompted fears over driver safety after his car went under the barriers leaving sections of barrier covering the cockpit.