Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson has been sent to a hospital for “routine checks” after crashing heavily in Saturday’s third free practice session for the British Grand Prix.

Having gone over the kerbs at Stowe corner, the Swede slided on the wet astrosturf, drifted back across the track and damp grass before slamming into the tyre wall. The impact was such that it snapped the steering wheel out of the steering column.

Although he quickly managed to clamber out of the heavily damaged C35 and appeared to be unhurt, Ericsson was first taken to the medical center.

Sauber then announced over its official Twitter feed that the 25-year-old was on his way to a hospital, thus making his presence for this afternoon’s qualifying uncertain.

REPORT: Hamilton tops red-flagged FP3 as Ericsson crashes

AS IT HAPPENED: FP3 for the British Grand Prix

FEATURE: Home sweet Home - Eric Silbermann on Silverstone

Chris Medland's 2016 British Grand Prix preview

Romain Grosjean on predicting race results and collisions between team mates, in his latest column for F1i

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