Daniel Ricciardo's build-up to the 2022 Formula 1 season hit a setback, the McLaren driver being forced out of action on the opening day of testing in Bahrain with illness.
His team reported a late change to their line-up for the final pre-season F1 test on Thursday with Ricciardo pulling out after suffering from an unspecified illness.
The team tweeted: "McLaren Racing will change its driver line-up for day one of the test. Daniel Ricciardo is feeling unwell therefore Lando Norris will be in the car for the opening day here at the Bahrain International Circuit."
The Australian was also absent from the traditional pre-season F1 drivers. photo shoot and did not get back in the car, as some expected.
For the moment, though, it's a disappointment for Ricciardo, who's looking to make a big impression this season after a largely disappointing opening campaign with the British team in 2021 which was rescued by a brilliant victory in the Italian Grand Prix.
Otherwise, the experienced Australian was largely outdriven by his young teammate Norris, finishing 45 points and two places behind the Englishman in last year's drivers' standings as he ended up eighth overall.
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