Berger to miss GP

Motor Racing

Gerhard Berger has withdrawn from this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on doctors' advice after a sinus infection became aggravated on his way to Montreal.

Benetton's Austrian driver had surgery on the problem two weeks ago and has been advised to intensify his treatment to ensure he makes a full recovery.

Berger's place in the team for the seventh race of the season will go to their official test driver, Berger's compatriot, Alexander Wurz, 23, who has impressed the team this season after graduating from the International Touring Car Championship.

"It is obviously a disappointment for both Gerhard and the team," Benetton's managing director, Flavio Briatore, said yesterday. "I wish Gerhard a speedy recovery, because we need him back on the track soon. However, I am confident that Alexander will do a good job in the meantime."

The world champion, Damon Hill, yet to score a point for his new team, Arrows, hopes to use the latest Yamaha engine in qualifying tomorrow. But he will have to revert to the older specification engine which has been dogged by mechanical problems this season for the race itself.

Williams' Jacques Villeneuve goes into the race leading the championship by three points from Michael Schumacher of Ferrari.