Coulthard crashes out of second session

He climbed out of the car apparently unhurt and was taken straight to the circuit medical centre for a precautionary check-up.

The crash will be a set-back to Mclaren's preparations for the showdown final race of the championship between Coulthard's team-mate Mika Hakkinen and Ferrari's Eddie Irvine who leads by four points.

The accident happened 17 minutes into the last session of the first day and happened just minutes after Ferrari rival Michael Schumacher was one of four drivers to have a brief off at a different part of the circuit, the Triangle Chicane before the pits, and continue.

He hit the barrier at over 100mph ripping off the front and rear wings and leaving both left side tyres and left side of the car completely wrecked.

The red flags came out immediately and the session was halted for 13 minutes while debris was cleared from the track.