F1: Sainz cleared to race in Russian GP

Carlos Sainz Jr. has been given the all clear to compete in the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix, just 24 hours after his high-speed crash in final practice.

Sainz was initially airlifted to nearby Sochi Hospital 4 after ploughing nose first into a Tecpro barrier at Turn 13 of the Sochi Autodrom, resulting in FP1 being called off 15 minutes from its scheduled conclusion.

The 21-year-old passed a series of tests, and although he was due to remain in hospital overnight under precautionary observation, was released in the early evening.

Sainz is understood to have had dinner with Fernando Alonso after the double world champion revealed his Spanish compatriot's manager had text him ahead of qualifying with an invite.

Sainz, however, did remark following his release he was "a bit sore... on his back and neck", but that he was "totally ready to see what happens".

He still had to be given the green light by FIA medical delegate Professor Jean-Charles Piette, a test he passed on Sunday morning.

"In accordance with normal procedures, Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz was this morning examined by the FIA medical delegate and chief medical officer at the Sochi circuit medical centre," an FIA statement read.

"Following this examination the driver has been declared fit to race in today's Russian Grand Prix."

After being given dispensation by the stewards on Saturday to compete, despite not setting a time in qualifying, Sainz will line up at the back of the grid in a car repaired by his mechanics despite the extensive damage sustained.

"Following this morning's FIA note to the Media in which Carlos Sainz was declared fit to race, Scuderia Toro Rosso is happy to confirm that Carlos will take part in today's 2015 Russian Grand Prix here in Sochi," the team said in a statement.

Originally on Autosport.com