Alonso speaks about Brazil crash

Renault's Fernando Alonso needs a bit of rest but feels fine. He has left room 1114 of the Saint Louis hospital in Sao Paolo, and is back in Europe.

"I still feel a bit dazed, but it's nothing serious," explains Fernando, who hit one of the tires of Mark Webber's Jaguar in the 54th lap of the race on Sunday at over 150 mph. "I am lucky to have got off so lightly, and I'm going to rest for a few days. The impact was massive, and this is by far the worst accident of my career. A big thank you to the team and to the FIA, who take the drivers' safety very seriously. Cars today are incredibly tough."

Fernando cannot remember clearly the chain of events. "It all went too quickly," he said. "From the third corner onwards, I had seen the yellow flags and the sign 'SC' telling me that the safety car was coming out, but at that moment, there were yellow flags all around the circuit. I was careful, but I didn't expect there to be as much debris. I couldn't avoid a tire in the middle of the track. Everything then happened very quickly. I remember hurtling towards the wall. The first impact was very hard."

When the R23 finally fell stationary, Fernando managed to get out of his cockpit on his own. "My left knee was quite painful when I got out of the car, but it's nothing serious, so I can now enjoy my result. I'm third in the drivers' championship after three races -- it's incredible!"

The Spanish driver would like to thank all those who were worried about him and sent him a message. "Many people have sent me their best wishes over the last two days: the Presedent of the Federation Carlos Sainz and many others. I dedicate my podium finish to them, and I promise them I will be fighting fit for Imola in a fortnight."

-renault-

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