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Heidfeld replaced for Punta del Este

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Mahindra Racing’s Nick Heidfeld has been ruled out of the Punta del Este ePrix after injuring his hand in Putrajaya. Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Oliver Rowland will replace the German in both the ePrix and the following test.

Heidfeld damaged ligaments in his left wrist when the steering wheel snapped out of his hand during last month’s race.

“On the advice of my doctors, I have undergone an operation to repair it,” Heidfeld said. “Unfortunately this means that I will miss the next race in Punta del Este.”

The injury also stopped him from competing in the World Endurance Championship Season finale.

“We have sought the very best young talent to continue the strong momentum that Nick has established with the team and the development of the M2Electro,” team principal, Dilbagh Gill, said. “Oliver is a driver of proven, record breaking skill and has exactly the drive and attitude we appreciate at Mahindra Racing.”

Rowland will take part in a simulator session before travelling to Uruguay for the race in two weeks’ time. Mahindra have also said he will take part in the official test which will follow the race.

“Formula E represents many aspects of the future of motorsport,” Rowland said. “It has one of the most competitive driver line-ups and I am looking forward to some close racing among them and I hope to show what I can do. It will be a steep learning curve to get to grips with the new electric racing technology but I’m sure that once the visor goes down, we will have some fun.”

Mahindra hope Heidfeld will be able to return to the team by the Buenos Aires ePrix in the new year.

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Images of Oliver Rowland and Nick Heidfeld courtesy of Mahindra Racing

Image from Putrajaya courtesy of FIA Formula E Media

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