| Below is a press release
from the Jordan team regarding Takuma Sato. It is with great relief that he
was able to recover from the accident involving Heidfeld without any injury
and return home after only staying in hospital overnight.
 DHL
Jordan Honda driver Takuma Sato was released from Graz's University Hospital
this morning after staying for observation overnight following his accident
in yesterday's Austrian Grand Prix.
Takuma underwent thorough medical tests and doctors confirmed that he has no
broken bones or injuries. Contrary to some inaccurate press reports, he did
not lose consciousness and suffered no concussion.
His manager Andrew
Gilbert-Scott reported that in hospital, "Takuma was on excellent form,
joking with the medical staff, and eager to see his blood pressure and heart
beat monitoring charts so that he might analyse his own personal telemetry."
Takuma commented today, as he left hospital:
"Really I am totally okay! My legs and knees are a little sore but that's
all. I remember everything about the accident. I was turning into the corner
with Montoya almost alongside me. 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 and didn't see Heidfeld coming at all.
When I opened my eyes I could see my legs were squashed by the damaged
monocoque and I could also see the ground through the hole! It was obvious
that I had had a big accident. I was conscious and could feel my arms and
legs, and although there was some pain, I knew nothing was broken. The car
did a great job of saving me, and I hear there is nothing left of it, but I
am fine.
"I would like to say thank you to the medical staff at the circuit and the
hospital, they have done an absolutely fantastic job. I am so grateful for
their hard work and also all the concern and support I have had from the
teams, fans and everyone who has contacted me. The doctors have told me
there is no problem with me driving in Monaco, so we will see in a couple of
days how I feel. I think I will be okay for Sunday (the Monaco Historic
race) as planned too, but first I will see my doctor in England and get
advice from the experts."
Takuma flies back to the UK today with his manager and his girlfriend,
following which he will spend some time resting in preparation for the
Monaco Grand Prix. A decision will be taken tomorrow regarding his
participation in the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique on 19th May. |
