Walker promises to bounce back

Walker dislocated his right hip while dusting his shoes at Goodwood a week ago. Today's French Grand Prix was the first race he had missed in 52 years after doctors ordered the Formula One veteran to stay at home and rest.

However, Walker revealed that there had been a danger that the injury would require surgery that could have put him out of action for much longer, and possibly brought an end to his distinguished career.

"It was a worrying time because they warned me before they put me under the anaesthetic that they would try to manipulate the ball joint back into the socket," he explained.

"If they couldn't push it back into place they said they would have to cut me open. If that happened I knew I would be out for at least a couple of months, maybe the rest of the season.

"When I came round I felt the bandages and was worried, but then I felt under them and there was no cut and I realised everything was alright.

"As it is the problem was not as big as it could have been and I will back in Austria, firing on all cylinders again."

Walker still took part in the ITV broadcast, talking about the race via a phone link from a home in Hampshire shortly after watching David Coulthard take his third win of the year.

For French Grand Prix race report, click here.

For full results, click here.