Sochi: Spanish Formula One driver Carlos Sainz is hopeful of returning to action for today's Russian Grand Prix after surviving a harrowing 200mph shunt in final practice. Sainz, who is contesting his debut season in the sport, was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Sochi after the crash on Saturday morning.


Course marshalls remove Scuderia Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz's damaged car after he crashed during final practice of the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom in Sochi, Russia on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

The 21-year-old lost control of his Toro Rosso as he approached turn 13 — the fastest section of the circuit which runs through Sochi's Olympic Park. He then slammed into the nearside wall, destroying the front left of his car, before careering head-on into the tyre barrier still at high speed.