Ericsson hopeful of clearance to race in British GP after crash

The Swede lost control of his car on the exit of Stowe, touching the astroturf that was wet following rain earlier in the session, and spun across the track into the inside tyre barrier.

Ericsson was sent to hospital in Oxford for "routine check-ups", which included a CT scan, before returning to the circuit later on Saturday having missed qualifying.

"It was obviously a huge accident," said Ericsson. "I went a bit too wide on the kerb in Turn 15 and touched the grass, which was a bit wet.

"I lost the car and this was followed by a big impact with the barriers.

"I went to the medical centre, but, because of the impact, they wanted to send me to hospital.

"Many check-ups have been done and things are looking good.

"I am feeling a bit sore, but everything else is OK.

"It is obviously disappointing that I was not able to participate in qualifying, but the most important is that I am alright.

"I apologise to my car crew that I have caused them a lot of work."

His team-mate Felipe Nasr suspected a combination of conditions had contributed to Ericsson's crash.

"The wind was quite strong - there was a lot of tailwind there, which was different to yesterday," he said.

"The corner was being affected a lot by the wind, and the kerbs were also wet, the astroturf was wet."

Despite Ericsson not setting a time in qualifying, the stewards have given him permission to start the race as, in line with the regulations, he had set "satisfactory times in practice".

The permission is subject to the chief medical officer giving clearance for Ericsson to drive following checks on Sunday morning.

His car suffered significant damage but Sauber is hopeful the rebuild will be completed in time for the race.