Suspected Leg Injury for Sato

Japanese Jordan driver Takuma Sato was taken to the A1-Ring medical centre with suspected leg injuries, after a dramatic crash with German Nick Heidfeld on the 28th lap of Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

However, Jordan said in a statement on the Digital TV: "Takuma is fine. He is sitting up and talking. It's a miracle."

Sato's car was speared by the out of control Sauber of German Nick Heidfeld at high speed as the unfortunate Japanese driver headed into the Remus Kurve. The heavy impact destroyed the side of the Jordan.

Heidfeld spun when it appeared he was distracted by one of the Minardis, which was breaking heavily in front of him. The German's car rotated 180 degrees and travelled backwards down the straight, right into the path of Sato at the apex of the corner.

The Williams of Juan Pablo Montoya was narrowly missed as he tried to overtake Sato on this inside of the corner, and Heidfeld flew into Sato's car right in front of him.

Sato waved from the cockpit of the Jordan immediately after it was T-boned by the Sauber, but he then remained in the car for ten minutes while he was tended to by a medical crew.

He was then carefully removed from the cockpit and taken away in an ambulance, which drove slowly away from the scene. Sato is suspected to have some leg injuries.

Barrichello was leading at the time of the incident, which occurred just as the safety car was brought in from a first stint after Olivier Panis' BAR stopped on the circuit.

The race continued on under the yellow flags for 8 laps, while the debris of the two stricken cars was removed, and the race then re-started with Barrichello in the lead again.