Carlos Sainz has been given permission to start the Russian Grand Prix by the FIA despite not having taken part in qualifying.
The Toro Rosso driver suffered a heavy crash during FP3 which ended the session after 35 minutes. While it took some time to remove him from the car due to the tecpro barrier being on top of the Toro Rosso, Sainz was conscious after the accident but was airlifted to hospital for scans.
While the scans showed Sainz to have no injuries, he will be kept in hospital overnight as a precaution. However, the stewards have given permission for the Spaniard to start the race despite not taking part in qualifying.
While Toro Rosso is allowed to enter the car, Sainz will still have to be cleared to race by the FIA doctor on Sunday before he will be allowed to take the start.
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AS IT HAPPENED: Russian Grand Prix qualifying
Gallery: Carlos Sainz's crash in FP3
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