MONACO -- Jordan's Japanese rookie Takuma Sato crashed again in Monaco on Sunday, two weeks after a huge impact in the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix.

It was Sato's second accident in a week in the Mediterranean principality. Last weekend he damaged a 1969 Lotus in qualifying for a historic race.

This time the Japanese skidded as he exited the tunnel on lap 23, hitting barriers and careering sideways down the road toward the chicane as Italian teammate Giancarlo Fisichella slowed hurriedly to avoid hitting him.

Sato came to a halt against a tire wall surrounding a tree but appeared to be unhurt as he climbed clear.

The two Jordans at least avoided a repeat of Malaysia where Sato left his braking late and collided with Fisichella, Reuters reported.

In Austria, the 25-year-old had what was described as a 'miracle' escape after German Nick Heidfeld lost control of his Sauber and slammed into the side of the Sato's car at high speed.