WTCC ace Rydell to skip Nürburgring test

Rickard Rydell will sit out next week’s official FIA World Touring Car Championship test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife after he was diagnosed with thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland.

The five-time WTCC race winner withdrew from last week’s Eurodatacar WTCC Race of Morocco after falling ill in the build-up to the Marrakech street race.

A statement from his team read: “Honda Racing team Sweden can now confirm that the high fever that forced Rickard Rydell out of last weekend’s World Touring Car Championship round in Marrakech was caused by thyroiditis.

“The diagnosis was made after Rydell underwent comprehensive medical checks at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm this week, and the 47-year-old is now being treated accordingly.

“Rydell has been instructed by doctors to rest and to keep physical activity to a minimum over the coming days. In order not to risk hampering the recuperation process, Honda Racing team Sweden has consequently taken the decision not to attend next week’s in-season WTCC test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

“Honda Racing team Sweden and Rickard Rydell share a strong hope of being back on the track together in time for the next round of the season in Budapest on 1-3 May. However, should Rydell’s condition not have improved enough for him to return to the wheel of his Honda Civic TC1 in Hungary, the team will evaluate all of its available options, including drafting in a temporary reserve driver.

Honda Racing team Sweden wishes Rickard Rydell the speediest possible recovery.”