Ericsson hoping to race after hospital checks

Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson will have to undergo further medical checks on Sunday morning at Silverstone to confirm whether or not he will take part in the 2016 Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

Ericsson was uninjured after crashing heavily at Stowe corner in FP3, and was taken to hospital for routine examinations. However, it is FIA medics who will have to give the Swede the final all-clear to compete.

“It was obviously a huge accident - I went a bit too wide on the kerb in Turn 15 and touched the grass, which was a bit wet,” said Ericsson. “I lost the car and this was followed by a big impact with the barriers.

“I went to the medical centre, but, because of the impact, they wanted to send me to hospital. Many check-ups have been done and things are looking good. I am feeling a bit sore, but everything else is ok.

“It is obviously disappointing that I was not able to participate in qualifying, but the most important is that I am alright. I apologise to my car crew that I have caused them a lot of work.”

If he does get the go-ahead to race, Ericsson will start from the back of the grid - or possibly the pit lane - since he failed to set a qualifying time. He is also set to be penalised five grid places for an unscheduled gearbox change following his accident.