Valtteri Bottas is working hard on his return to fitness in a bid to be able to race at the Malaysian Grand Prix next weekend. The Williams driver was forced to pull out of the Australian Grand Prix after aggravating a back injury following an off-track excursion during qualifying.
Bottas, 25, was one of 5 cars that failed to take to the grid for the season opener, after failing the FIA fitness test following a medical by doctors at Albert Park. That forced Williams to compete with just Felipe Massa, with the Brazilian bringing his car home in fourth place.
On his official twitter page, Valtteri wrote that “every day is a good step forward” and posted a picture of himself in a swimming pool, carrying out part of his rehabilitation.
Williams have been assessing possible replacements for the Finn should he have been ruled out for a second race, after team bosses Claire Williams and Pat Symonds revealed Scottish test driver Susie Wolff would not be making her race début.
Development driver and GP3 champion Alex Lynn is thought to be one driver in line for the seat, but Williams would prefer someone with F1 race experience.
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) March 20, 2015
Should Bottas feel fit enough to participate, he will need to pass the FIA cockpit escape test on Thursday before he is allowed to drive.
Pictures courtesy of Williams Martini Racing
