Glock’s participation in Japanese Grand Prix in doubt

SUZUKA - Formula One driver Timo Glock’s participation in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix is in doubt after the Toyota driver crashed into a tyre wall during Saturday’s qualifying session.

The German, who has not yet secured a drive with a team for next season, had to be treated at the scene and was then taken to hospital with a leg wound.

The sports’ controlling body FIA said that Glock’s condition was “generally fine,” while the Toyota team principal John Howett said they would only decide Sunday morning whether Glock would race.

Television footage showed that the Toyota appeared not to react when Glock turned the steering wheel, but Howett denied that. “You could see in the action replay that he did not move the steering wheel. Thee was nothing wrong with the car,” he said.

Glock had been slowed down by a cold and fever the previous day and could not participate in the free practice sessions. If he is unable to race on Sunday, Japanese substitute driver Kamui Kobayashi would race with a special provision.

German Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel took pole position during Saturday’s crash-marred qualifying which had to be stopped three times after accidents.