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Heidfeld Sidelined by Cold in Barcelona Test

Nick Heidfeld did not get to enjoy his first day of testing in Barcelona this week, as the German driver was the victim of a lingering cold that kept him away from the Renault R31 cockpit for the afternoon running on Circuit de Catalunya.

The news doesn't come as a surprise, especially since Heidfeld had told the media prior to the Barcelona test meeting that a cold is bothering him. He did not think it would affect his testing schedule this week, as he was due to drive the 2011 challenger in the first and last day of action (Tuesday and Friday, respectively).

However, with Heidfeld unable to resume action on the Catalonian track after lunch, the car was handed to his teammate Vitaly Petrov. The change slightly altered Renault's programme this week, as it will lead to Heidfeld returning to the R31's cockpit for the Thursday afternoon running, plus the entire Friday.

I thought I would be over it by now, but the cold will not go away,” admitted Heidfeld, who has now been sick for almost a whole week. “I didn't feel good in the car in the morning (on Tuesday),” he added.

As he plans to get well as soon as possible, Heidfeld played down fears that his cold could somehow influence his preparation for the season opening Australian Grand Prix. If anything, it will give him more track time in the late stages of the Barcelona test, when the car will be fitted with the final package for the first race of the season.

When I sit back in the car, the new package will be complete. What I have tried already, felt alright,” he added.
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