Heidfeld to miss Brazil Grand Prix

Williams' Nick Heidfeld will miss next week's Brazilian Grand Prix after a bicycle accident at the weekend, the German driver's manager confirmed yesterday.

"He cannot drive in Brazil, he has broken his shoulder," Werner Heinz told Reuters.

Heinz said the decision was taken only for the September 25 race at Interlagos for the time being.

Heidfeld has missed the last two Formula One races after crashing in a test at Monza at the end of August. He complained of a headache after the first day of practice for this month's Italian Grand Prix.

Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia replaced him in both Italy and Belgium last weekend and is likely to remain in the seat for his home race, although Williams said there was unlikely to be any confirmation before Friday.

Heidfeld has said he was cycling near his home in Switzerland on Sunday when he collided with a motorcycle at a road junction. He cracked his right shoulder-blade in the fall and dislocated a finger.

The German, who joined from Jordan at the end of last season, is tipped to move to BMW's new team next year after the German carmaker bought Sauber.

Williams have an option on him, although it expires this month.