Fisichella

MAGNY-COURS, France -- Italian Giancarlo Fisichella will miss the French Grand Prix on Sunday after a high-speed crash in Saturday's free practice, his Jordan team said.

The team had hoped race stewards might grant Fisichella a special dispensation to race despite his absence from qualifying, but doctors ruled that out.

"(Medical chief) Professor (Sid) Watkins' advice concerning the force of the impact was that Fisichella should not participate in qualifying or tomorrow's race," the team said in a statement.

Fisichella was shaken but unhurt. Full scans in Nevers hospital confirmed no serious injuries.

Television replays showed the car's front wing snapping off and becoming wedged under the car, lifting the front wheels into the air.

Unable to steer, Fisichella plunged into a tire barrier, ripping off the Jordan's front wheels and nose cone and shattering the left side of the car.

Gary Anderson, Jordan's director of race and test engineering, said it seemed the front of the car hit a high curb the lap before the wing came off.

"I don't remember what happened," said Fisichella in a team statement. "I know I lost the front wing but I don't know why. I feel alright, I just have a slight headache and some neck pain.

"The doctor told me it's not possible for me to race because of the very big deceleration I experienced in the accident, so I'm going to rest in preparation for Hockenheim."