Saturday October 12th, 2002

Scot Allan McNish will be held in the Suzuka circuit medical centre on Saturday afternoon following his shocking crash in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix and will not be cleared to race until he has been re-examined on Sunday morning.

McNish lost control of his Toyota as he headed through the notorious 130R corner and his out-of-control machine spun backwards through the barrier, leaving a gaping hole in the metal Armco.

The 32-year-old, who made his Grand Prix debut this year, was taken to the circuit medical centre for x-rays. And Formula One safety delegate Sid Watkins said that although McNish appears to be okay, he must wait to get clearance to race.

"He is pretty good, he has a bruised knee and has hurt his neck, but he is stable," said Watkins. "He will remain in the medical centre this afternoon for examinations but I hope he will be able to race."

Published at 05:24:30 GMT