Kanaan injured in qualifying crash.

Tony Kanaan's season took a turn for the worse on Saturday when he crashed his Reynard-Mercedes at high speed at the Belle Isle circuit in Detroit.

The Brazilian driver suffered several fractured ribs, a fractured forearm and a partially collapsed lung when the accident occurred mid way through Kanaan's final session of qualifying at the tight and twisty track.

The Mo Nunn driver was airlifted to a local hospital where he is said to be awake and alert. According to CART Dr Steve Olvey, Kanaan briefly lapsed into unconsciousness but was talking when he reached the hospital. "His injuries are all fixable, and he could be back within 6-8 weeks."

Ironically, Kanaan was putting in one of his best performances this year when the crash occurred and his time was still good enough for 13th place on the grid. No replacement can be used this weekend and Mo Nunn hasn't made any announcement concerning a long-term replacement.