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Jones out of Kyalami event

NEWS STORY
12/11/2005

Alan Jones was this morning forced to retire from this weekend's Altech Grand Prix Masters South Africa race after suffering severe neck muscle spasms. In the interests of safety and pain minimisation, Chief Medical Officer Dr Steve Olvey declared the former Formula One World Champion unfit to race following this morning's Free Practice session. Alan will, however, be re-united with the Grand Prix Masters campaign for 2006 and for the remainder of this weekend, his place will be taken by reserve driver Elisio Salazar (Chile).

Dr Steve Olvey (Chief Medical Officer): "Commitments at home and abroad meant that Alan was unable to attend any of the Grand Prix Masters test sessions and pre-season seat fitting programmes. He therefore did not have any time to adjust properly to the cockpit seating and neck position. As a consequence, his unorthodox driving position has resulted in severe cervical (neck) muscle spasms thereby creating an unsafe driving situation due to severe pain. The problem has compounded itself over the weekend to the extent that his participation in the race is too risky."

Alan Jones (Australia): "The problem manifested itself after the first day and has gradually worsened to the extent that the pain is unbearable. I have given it my best shot this morning and wanted nothing more than to compete alongside these fantastic drivers tomorrow but the situation is simple untenable. Commitments at home and abroad over recent weeks have meant that I have been unable to attend the seat-fitting and test sessions and unlike the other Masters, adjustments to my seating position have not been possible. A very disappointing interruption to what is a stunning new series and one which has really captured my imagination. The cars, drivers, team and partners have achieved a miracle in pulling this series off and I for one will do everything over the winter to ensure my participation next year. I want to thank everyone involved and wish the Masters the very best for what promises to be a sensational spectacle tomorrow afternoon. I will be sitting in the garage with the team watching and drooling!"

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