Hamilton airlifted to hospital for checks

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis said the 22-year-old rookie was unhurt but it was too early to say whether he would start on Sunday at the Nurburgring.

Hamilton, wearing an oxygen mask and with a drip applied, waved and gave a thumbs-up sign as he was taken to a waiting ambulance.

He was later airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital, but the team did not say which one.

The session was red flagged after Hamilton's' right front tyre burst, leaving him as a mere passenger while the car sped across a gravel trap.

Dennis, who immediately left the pitlane wall, said a faulty air gun appeared to be to blame.

"Effectively the wheel wasn't properly put on," he said. "But that's not the mechanic's fault. We are not quite sure what failed but in fact it was quite fortunate because the same gun was used on Fernando (Alonso)'s car and he hadn't started to lean on it yet.

"We could tell from that it was a gun failure. At least we know we don't have a problem with the car."

Hamilton remained in the car, jiggling his legs, before trying to extricate himself. He stood up but remained in the cockpit, leaning against the airbox.

After getting out of the car, the Briton then dropped to the ground with marshals around him.

Hamilton had been fifth in qualifying when the accident happened. He ended up 10th.

Hamilton is 12 points clear of teammate and double world champion Alonso, with eight races remaining including Sunday's.