Heikki in fight for fitness

Finnish star is determined to race in Turkey.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By James Disdale

06th May 2008

McLaren ace Heikki Kovalainen is facing a race to be fit for this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix.

After his miraculous escape from a horrific 140mph crash at the last round in Barcelona, Spain, the Finnish star is determined to get back behind the wheel as soon as possible.

Investigations by the team have shown the accident occurred as a result of a broken wheel, which launched the car into a tyre barrier. Kovalainen was subjected to an incredible 26G in the impact, knocking him unconscious and requiring an air ambulance trip to a nearby hospital, where doctors detained him overnight for tests and observation.

However, despite the severity of the crash, he escaped with only concussion and a bruised elbow.

And the ordeal has not dimmed the 26-year-old’s determination to get back on track. Speaking after his release from hospital, he said: “I don’t remember anything from the accident or what happened after. But apart from that, I am feeling well and in good spirits. My focus is on getting better, so I can pass the FIA medical required to allow me to race in Turkey.” If all goes well, he will be chasing team-mate Lewis Hamilton and the in-form Ferraris when the lights go out in Istanbul on Sunday.