UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Back injury returns for Heidfeld

Undergoing checks

Jun.29 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel might not have to sit out the French grand prix, according to news emerging from Magny Cours on Friday afternoon.

Just two weeks after making his point-scoring debut in Robert Kubica's car at the US grand prix, BMW-Sauber reserve driver Vettel could again be called up to replace one of the German squad's injured race regulars.

Nick Heidfeld, despite insisting on Thursday that the back twinge that put him out of the recent Silverstone test was now not bothering him, left Magny Cours shortly after Friday practice bound for the local hospital in Nevers.

Down in a lowly nineteenth place, he did just 18 laps compared with teammate Kubica's 42 in the afternoon practice session.

A team spokesman confirmed: "Nick stopped early as he did not want to aggravate his back following a recurrence of the pain that had bothered him at the Silverstone test last week."

Heidfeld, meanwhile, confirmed that he will undergo checks this afternoon.

"I stopped early because I wanted to save my back. Last week at the Silverstone test I had some problems. I can still feel it and as a precaution I want to have it checked today," he said.

Written: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:05:37