Ralf Made to Wait for All-Clear

"Thankfully, I am feeling okay," said the German after precautionary checks in hospital. "But that was quite a big accident.

"Lightning is supposed not to strike twice in the same place but on this occasion I guess that does not apply to me."

A team spokeswoman said the 29-year-old, who had a brain scan after complaining of blurred vision, would have to pass a medical at the circuit on Saturday morning before being allowed back in the car for final practice and qualifying.

Toyota's reserve driver is Brazilian Ricardo Zonta.

Ralf, who missed six races with Williams last year after suffering the worst accident of his Formula One career, smashed into the wall at almost the same spot on the last banked corner where cars reach speeds of about 300 kph.

Fortunately, safety improvements since last year meant he hit an energy-absorbing SAFER barrier that has been extended 70 metres along the pit straight.

This time he walked away from the wreckage, with practice halted, rather than lying slumped in the car as rivals threaded their way through the wreckage in last year's race.