A McLaren spokeswoman has confirmed reports that Kimi Raikkonen skipped the Monza test this week due to an injured back.
The Finn jarred his back in a crash at the Istanbul circuit last Sunday, but the injury was not at the time thought to have jeopardised either his scheduled test on Thursday, or his participation in the Italian grand prix at the same Monza venue next weekend.
”After the minor incident in Turkey,” the spokeswoman explained on Thursday, ”Kimi is resting to make sure he is fully fit for the Italian grand prix.”
Gary Paffett replaced him.
Team boss Ron Dennis had insisted in Turkey that a team doctor was ‘optimistic’ that 26-year-old Raikkonen’s planned attendance at the test was not in doubt.
Kimi, meanwhile, said: ”My back is a bit sore but nothing to worry about.”
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
