Planet-F1

Heikki wants to get back behind the wheel

Wednesday 7th May 2008

Heikki Kovalainen insists he has not lost his focus following his horror shunt in Barcelona 10 days ago.

Kovalainen is eager to get back behind the wheel of his McLaren at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix after his lucky escape in Spain.

The 26-year-old Finn sustained nothing more than mild concussion after ploughing nose first into a tyre barrier at the Circuit de Catalunya, destroying the front of his car.

Kovalainen was knocked unconscious by the force of the impact, sustained by a failure of the left front wheel rim that led to an immediate deflation of the tyre.

It was later established Kovalainen was travelling at 150mph when the tyre deflated before hitting the barrier at 80mph.

The rate of deceleration was measured at 27g, greater than the force of a pilot ejecting from a fighter jet.

Although Kovalainen has recovered both physically and mentally, a FIA medical examination at the Istanbul Park circuit on Thursday will determine whether he will race on Sunday.

"I am feeling good," remarked Kovalainen, who initially remained overnight in a hospital near Barcelona after passing a series of tests.

"I left Spain on Thursday and went back to Finland, where I spent some time working with the team doctor at our facility on ensuring I am fit for the race.

"Initially during the week we did some light training before then starting on my full programme just before the weekend.

"Next stage for me is the fitness test at the track tomorrow with the FIA.

"I can't wait to get back into the car and race with the team, but at the end of the day that decision is out of my hands.

"The FIA will make it based on safety grounds only."

Although Kovalainen has no memory of the accident, he maintains there are no lingering psychological after-effects.

"I want to get back racing as soon as possible, and since the accident it has been my only focus," asserted Kovalainen.

"Everyone involved in the sport, the FIA in particular, is always working on improving safety for the drivers, but Formula One is a risky business.

"You know that as a driver, but you don't think about it. If you worry about things like that, you lose focus. I guess it is just not in my psyche."

McLaren F1 chief executive Martin Whitmarsh maintains Kovalainen "is fighting fit", but knows the final word on the matter will come down to the FIA.

"Our team doctor kept an eye on him during the week, both in Spain and then at the Kuortane Sports Institute in Finland," said Whitmarsh.

"There has been no development of any secondary symptoms, so everything is positive on that front.

"He will have the mandatory FIA evaluation tomorrow, which is a routine neuro and physiological test completed after any concussion.

"Of course we have a plan in place should the FIA request Heikki sit this race out, as at all grands prix.

"But we have a race driver who is naturally impatient to get back out there, and this is the aim of the team.

"That said, we will fully respect the decision of the medical professionals - they are the specialists."