Valtteri Bottas is making steady progress on his recovery bid to be fully race fit for next weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix after suffering a small tear in his lower back in Australia.
The Williams driver was hurt during the qualifying session around the Albert Park Circuit, and then sidelined by the FIA medical delegate who deemed the Finn unfit to start the race in Melbourne.
Bottas then travelled to Indonesia in order to get acclimatised to hot and humid conditions and maximise his chances of a competitive return in Sepang. The 25-year-old took to his Twitter account on Friday and posted the picture below as an update to his fans.
Should Bottas be ruled out the Malaysian Grand Prix, Williams is yet to reveal who would replace the Finn, although test driver Susie Wolff does not seem to be under consideration. This would leave development driver and reigning GP3 Series champion Alex Lynn as Williams’ most likely stand in.
Bottas is not the only driver who needs to be cleared by FIA officials ahead of round two of this year's championship. McLaren's Fernando Alonso also sat out the opening round in Australia and has since been pushing hard to make it to Sepang.
Hi guys! Progress is being made and every day is a good step forward. Can't wait for Malaysia! #goodback #sisu #77 pic.twitter.com/0cwyjk6nrV
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) 20 Mars 2015
Click here for the full gallery from the Australian Grand Prix
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