Zoom The fighting fit Finn

McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen on Friday said he has resumed training and is hoping to bounce back from his huge Barcelona crash in time for the Turkish Grand Prix next weekend.

The Finn was hospitalised and concussed after his 27G impact with the Campsa tyre barrier during the Spanish round, so he must be cleared to race at Istanbul by FIA doctors next Thursday.

Since Kovalainen, 26, last spoke from his Barcelona hospital room, he has returned to Finland and recommenced training.

Team Chief Executive Martin Whitmarsh revealed that the driver is "fighting fit" and should pass the FIA's standard neurological and physiological exams, but it is understood that reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa has been put on standby in the event that Kovalainen is grounded.

"I am feeling good, the stiffness in my neck has pretty much gone," Kovalainen said on Friday.

He revealed that his full focus is on ensuring he is fit to race in Turkey, and fended off any talk that the more than 200kph shunt has made him nervous about returning to the wheel of his Mercedes-powered car.

Asked if he has any qualms about racing in Turkey, Kovalainen answered: "None whatsoever. I want to get back racing as soon as possible, since the accident at Barcelona it has been my only focus."

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM