Rickard Rydell too ill to race in WTCC Marrakech round

Rydell, who is racing in the series full-time this year for the first time since 2009, intended to race despite suffering from a high fever this week, but he has now pulled out of the weekend's races due to his condition worsening.

"I've had a persisting fever for the last few days, but it was always manageable," said the Swede.

"Unfortunately, however, things took a turn for the worse today and the fever increased.

"It's very frustrating, but driving the car in this condition would have been highly dangerous and simply isn't an option.

"Now I will liaise with my doctors in order to recover as quickly as possible, and I look forward to getting back in the car again in Budapest in two weeks' time."

Nicklas Karlsson, team principal of the Nika-run Honda Racing team Sweden outfit, added: "The most important thing right now is Rickard's recovery.

"We are obviously sad and disappointed not to make the grid in Marrekech, but health always comes first.

"We have waited until the last minute before making this call, hoping for an improvement, but there is no way Rickard can drive the car."

Rydell sits 10th in the WTCC standings after the opening round in Argentina, where he picked up two top 10 finishes.