Russian Vitaly Petrov has been released from hospital following his accident on lap 69 of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Russian able to return to his hotel room on Sunday night
Vitaly Petrov has been released from hospital despite a scare when he could not feel his legs following an accident during the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Russian was unable to stop himself ploughing into the back of Jaime Alguersuari on lap 69 of an incident-packed race.
Alguersuari had clipped over the top of a kerb in his Toro Rosso and ended up going into the back of Lewis Hamilton's McLaren, with his momentum then carrying him into a barrier coming out of the swimming pool complex.
Initial reports suggested Petrov was knocked unconscious, but the Lotus Renault driver himself has now confirmed that was not the case.
Big impact
He explained: "It was quite a big impact and I could not feel my legs very well after the crash.
"I thought it was best for the medical team to assist with removing me from the car as it was difficult for me to move and my legs were trapped in the cockpit.
"I did not lose consciousness, but I was in quite a lot of pain when I was inside the car."
Petrov was taken away from the track in an ambulance but following a series of scans and tests he was given the all-clear; he was back in his hotel on Sunday night.
The 26-year-old added: "I would like to thank all my fans for all their well wishes, the medical teams at the circuit, the hospital for their efficient and friendly assistance, and the team for their concern."
Team principal Eric Boullier said "I'm glad to report Vitaly is okay, he has no fractures, just a sore ankle, but he is already joking."
Petrov's accident came after Sergio Perez's high-speed crash during Saturday's qualifying for the race in Monaco.
The the 21-year-old thankfully escaped with nothing more than concussion and a spained thigh,
though doctors at the Princess Grace Hospital decided to keep him for a second night for observation.
