Button to Stay in Hospital Overnight

Briton Jenson Button has been kept in hospital overnight following his crash in Saturday morning practice for the Monaco Grand Prix, his BAR-Honda team said today.

Button was taken to the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco for checks after a heavy accident and BAR said he will remain in overnight for observation. The 23-year-old was pulled out of Saturday's qualifying, but could still take part in the race if he is given the go ahead by FIA medical officer Professor Sid Watkins on Sunday morning.

"The team are relieved to confirm that he has not sustained any physical injuries, however, he is suffering from slight nausea, which is understandable given the severity of the accident," BAR said in a statement. "The team will seek medical advice tomorrow (Sunday) morning as to whether Jenson is fit to take part in the race."

Button touched the barrier when exiting the tunnel and ploughed into the barriers at approximately 290km/h. The Monaco resident remained in his car as marshals freed him from the wreckage before being taken to hospital for x-rays and scans.

Team boss David Richards remains hopeful Button will be fit for the race and will leave any decision on his availability until the latest possible moment. Button will have physiotherapy with trainer Bernie Shrosbree on Sunday morning and Richards remains said a final decision on his participation will be taken around midday.

"He has gone through all the normal medical checks, scans and there are no physical issues there at all," Richards said. "But quite clearly after an accident of that magnitude he needs to rest and have a quiet couple of hours and an early night tonight and we'll put him through some sort of physio programme tomorrow morning.

"Hopefully he will be fit for the race. I don't think we will make the decision before midday tomorrow and obviously there will be certain milestones on the route to that. But my midday tomorrow we should have a pretty good idea of how he is going to be."

Richards admitted is probably the biggest accident Button has been involved in, but insisted the talented young Briton will not be heavily affected by the crash.

"He is still only 23 years old and he will come back fighting," Richards said. "He is fine, he is sitting up joking and making phone calls and behaving as normal. He is his normal self again. So, of course, he is feeling good, but he knows he needs to take a quiet time now.

"He banged his right knee and his left ankle and his right arm is stiff. I am sure he will feel stiff tomorrow morning. It's a shame - he was in such good form. But don't worry its only short term."