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Kimi Raikkonen has escaped serious injury in a high-speed crash on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix that stopped the Formula 1 race.

The Finn, who had qualified in 18th place after a difficult qualifying, was battling to recover positions when he went wide at Aintree corner after running side-by-side with Esteban Gutierrez before the run down the Wellington Straight.

As Raikkonen tried to return to the circuit, his car hit a bump in the grass and he lost control after it bounced back onto the ground.

His Ferrari speared headfirst into the crash barriers on the right-hand side of the track before spinning back across the circuit.

Kamui Kobayashi had to take to the grass to avoid him, while Felipe Massa was forced to spin in avoidance, with his left rear wheel clouting Raikkonen's car.

Raikkonen was able to get out of the car by himself, but after limping away it was decided that he needed to be taken to the medical centre for checks.

A Ferrari spokesman confirmed that Raikkonen had suffered no serious injuries, but was complaining of bruising to his knee and ankle.



The race was red-flagged and delayed while the barrier was fixed.