Russian GP final practice abandoned after Carlos Sainz crashes heavily
CARLOS SAINZ suffered a heavy crash during practice of the Russian Grand Prix, forcing the final session to be suspended.
Carlos Sainz crashed heavily during the final practice for the Russian Grand Prix
Sainz's Toro Rosso was pictured submerged in the tyre barrier at the high-speed turn 13 section of the track which runs through Sochi's Olympic Park.
The red flags were deployed and with 14 minutes remaining the decision was taken not to restart the session.
Sainz, 21, was attended to by medical staff at the scene of the crash.
Carlos Sainz crashed heavily into the barriers during final practice
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost told Sky Sports F1 the driver was "conscious" and that a decision would be taken later on whether he could play any further part in the race weekend.
FIA press officer Matteo Bonciani provided a further update on Sainz's condition.
"Carlos is conscious, he's OK. He has talked to the doctor, so apparently we think it's fine," he told reporters at the trackside.
"We need to see when he will be a little bit better, he is here inside the medical centre. We will see what's going on, we will need to see how he is when the adrenaline has gone down.
"He is conscious, he is talking, and he even tried to remove his helmet on his own."
Sainz was conscious as he was removed from the wreckage