Timo Glock will miss Sunday’s final Formula One race of the season after failing to recover from injury.
The Toyota driver told DPA that he was still experiencing back and knee problems.
“I would have liked so much to race, especially in this last race on a new circuit,” Glock said.
The 27-year-old German had been confident last week of recovering in time for the season-ender in Abu Dhabi. But he now does not expect to be fully fit for another two weeks.
Glock was diagnosed with a slight fracture of two dorsal vertebrae, and has experienced some inflammation to a cut at the back of the knee, which had required stitches.
He sustained the injuries in a heavy crash during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at the beginning of the month.
Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi, who replaced Glock at the Brazilian Grand Prix nine days ago, will again partner Italy’s Jarno Trulli in the Toyota team for the F1 premiere in Abu Dhabi. Glock is meanwhile still looking for a new team for next season.