No permanent damage for Saelens

The Belgian jarred his spine and bruised his wrist in the crash, which happened at Becketts corner in the second qualifying session. After he was carefully removed from his car, Saelens was taken to the circuit's medical centre where he underwent a scan on his neck, before being transferred to Northampton Hospital for further tests.

His team has been told that Saelens is likely to be ruled out of racing for four-to-six weeks while his injuries heal. European Minardi has stressed it will keep its seat available for him when he is fit to return.

Saelens also looks likely to miss the next round of the German Touring Masters (DTM) at the Lausitzring next month, which he contests with the Team Rosberg Mercedes-Benz outfit. Marcel Tiemann, who has subbed for the injured but recovering Bernd Maylander, is a likely replacement.