'Very Lucky' Alonso Happy to Escape Injury

Spaniard Fernando Alonso admitted he was very lucky to escape injury in the crash that stopped Sunday's Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix.

Alonso, who was detained in hospital overnight as a precaution, was classified as third in the race and is also third in the overall standings. He was taken to the circuit medical centre immediately after the race, and was unable to take part in the podium ceremonies.

The 21-year old Renault driver crashed at high speed into a tyre left on track by the Jaguar of Mark Webber, who had crashed earlier, and then into the tyre barriers, his car being destroyed in the event. Alonso, however, was able to climb out of the car on his own.

"All my body is aching a bit, but I was very lucky and nothing is broken," said Alonso from the hospital today. "Now I want to rest. It was a very heavy accident, the worst of my racing career.

"I was surprised by the debris on track. I had seen the yellow flags and the Safety Car signal, but when they show the signal there are actually yellow flags all over the track, so I wasn't expecting a piece of car in the middle of the road.

"I couldn't avoid the tyre, and after that it all happened very quickly. I climbed out of the car and I was a little dizzy, but, although my left leg was hurting, I knew there was nothing broken. It was bad luck, but thank God I'm fine and I'll be fit for the next race."