Sato to Race at Monaco Grand Prix

Japanese driver Takuma Sato has been released from hospital and was given the green light to race at the Monaco Grand Prix in two weeks time.

The Jordan driver suffered a dramatic accident during the Austrian Grand Prix, where German Nick Heidfeld crashed his Sauber into Sato's car after losing control of his machine on lap 27 of the race.

25-year old Sato was taken to the Graz's University Hospital for observation, but the Japanese star has been released and he claimed he will race in Monaco.

Chief medical delegate Professor Sid Watkins told team boss Eddie Jordan it was a miracle Sato was not seriously injured. A medical team soon arrived and the Japanese rookie, who was briefly seen waving from his wrecked car, was eventually lifted out of the vehicle.

"Really I am totally OK," Sato said on his official website. "I am a little sore on my legs and knees but that's all. All I knew of the accident was that I was turning into the corner with Montoya almost alongside me. I knew he was there.

"I was just starting to get on the throttle when I had the big smash. I heard a big bang and shut my eyes for a split second. I had no idea what it was at all, I did not see Heidfeld coming at all. When I opened my eyes I could see that my legs were squashed by the damaged monocoque and I could see the ground through the hole.

"The car did an absolutely fantastic job of saving me, there is nothing left of it but I am fine. The doctors have told me that there is no problem with me driving in Monaco so we will see in a couple of days how I feel."