Fisichella Out of the French GP

Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella was ruled out of Sunday's French Grand Prix, after crashing at high speed in the final free practice on Saturday.

The Italian escaped serious injury when his Jordan was wrecked but was ruled out of the afternoon's qualifying session as a precaution.

Fisichella's crash overshadowed the practice second session, with the Italian shaken by the high-speed impact. He climbed out of the car, removing a glove to inspect his left hand, before being taken away in the medical car while track workers rebuilt the tyre wall.

Television replays showed the Jordan's front wing snapping off and becoming wedged under the car, lifting the front wheels in the air. Unable to steer, Fisichella plunged into the tyre barrier, ripping off the front wheels and nose cone and shattering the left side of the car.

The Roman was fortunate at least to hit the shock-absorbing tyres, with a concrete wall just metres away down the track.

Jordan said Fisichella was flown to hospital where checks showed no signs of concussion but Formula One medical chief Sid Watkins still advised the Italian not to take part in qualifying.

Team commercial manager Mark Gallagher said Fisichella was expected to be fit for next weekend's German Grand Prix in Hockenheim.