Kovalainen 200kph crash

[Wizzo]

Heikki Kovalainen escaped unhurt from a 200kph crash in Formula One testing in Bahrain on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the world champions said the Finn had smashed into the barriers on the exit to turn seven at the desert circuit. The cause of the accident was being investigated.

Bahrain is hosting the final official pre-season test before the season kicks off in Australia on March 18.

The team said Kovalainen, who has replaced Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso in the Renault line-up alongside Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, would not be testing again on Tuesday.

However the car, which suffered heavy damage to the rear right bodywork, was expected to be repaired overnight.

[Wizzo]

Heikki Kovalainen remains focused on preparing for his grand prix debut after escaping unharmed from a massive shunt during testing in Bahrain.

Kovalainen wrecked the right side of his car after smashing into a barrier at high speed at the Sakhir circuit. But the Finn, who has taken up the race seat vacated by double world champion Fernando Alonso following the Spaniard's move to McLaren, was able to climb out of his car unaided.

'It was a pretty big accident,' reflected Kovalainen. 'I got caught out in turn seven and the car hit the barriers quite hard, but all the safety systems worked perfectly so I am fine.'

Kovalainen added: 'There is quite a lot of damage to the car and I may not be able to start running again until tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday).

'That will delay our programme, which is frustrating, but the focus now is on working with the team to get the car ready as soon as possible.

'Once it is, I will be 100% concentrated on completing the rest of our work.'

With the opening race of the new season on March 18 in Australia, Kovalainen added: 'We are already in a good position after running for three days last week.

'But there are still some important preparations to be completed before we get to Melbourne.'