Herbert Escapes with Bruised Knee (updated)

British Jaguar driver Johnny Herbert was lucky to escape with a bruised knee after a major crash in the last race of his Formula One career on Sunday.

"There's nothing like ending your career with a bang," said Herbert at the season-ending Malaysian Grand Prix.

Jaguar said the 36-year-old Briton had undergone a precautionary X-ray examination that revealed severe bruising to his left knee but nothing more serious.

Herbert had run as high as fourth during the race, the 161st of his career, but crashed on the 48th lap when the rear suspension suddenly failed.

"I'm pretty disappointed to have a good race ruined by a failure such as that," he said.

"When the car pitched, I was trying to work out which way I was going in so I could position my legs for the impact but I lost my sense of direction."

"I guess it was inevitable that because I began my career being carried to the car, I would end it being carried out of it," said Herbert.

The Briton made his Formula One debut in Brazil 11 years ago with Benetton, just eight months after his feet were shattered in a Formula 3000 car at Brands Hatch, and finished fourth. He had to be lifted out of the car afterwards.

On Sunday, he was helped out again but this time from a severely damaged car missing its rear wheels.

Jaguar technical director Gary Anderson said the accident was caused by a broken suspension link on the rear right of the car and the team were investigating further.

"I'm glad Johnny is okay," said teammate Eddie Irvine. "It's a shame his career had to end with an accident. Unfortunately that seems to be the story of his life.

"He's provided a load of laughs in the short term we were team mates. Formula One will miss him."