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Baumgartner to race for Jordan

Zsolt Baumgartner will make a surprise appearance for Jordan in this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, after the Formula 1 Commission approved a superlicence for the driver to replace Ralph Firman, who was injured in a high-speed practice crash this morning

Firman has suffered a cracked heel bone in the crash, caused when the rear wing fell off his Jordan, and has been ruled out of participating in the race. This clears the way for the Hungraian Formula 3000 star to make his debut, despite the fact that he does not currently hold an F1 superlicence.

The Permanent Bureau of the Formula 1 Commission has approved the application for a Super Licence for Baumgartner and the stewards of the meeting, under the circumstances, have chosen to waive the 14-day application rule.

As well as his heel injury, Firman suffered a concussion in the accident, which could obviously have implications for his continued tenure of the second Jordan for the remaining three races after Hungary.

Describing the crash, Firman said: "All I remember is suddenly I could tell something had happened - the car sped up and felt different but I didn't know why and then almost instantly I was spearing off the track. I can't really remember anything between that and then being in the ambulance but more of it is starting to come back. I feel absolutely great in the circumstances and I'm just disappointed for the team and for myself that I'm missing this race."

Team boss Eddie Jordan said: "Ralph is going to stay in hospital under observation for 24 hours, which is perfectly routine. Sid Watkins, the FIA medical delegate, reported that Ralph made a very quick recovery."

Baumgartner qualified for his F1 licence as a result of the private testing mileage that he has already completed for the team. As the Friday test is not an official part of the Grand Prix weekend, the Hungarian was able to run in the sessions without a full superlicence.

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