Williams driver Bottas out of Australian GP with back injury

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Williams driver Valtteri Bottas has been ruled out of competing in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday due to a back injury suffered in qualifying for the Formula One season-opening race.

The Finnish driver suffered what the team called "soft tissue damage" in his lower back during Saturday's session.

After being treated by medical staff at the track, he was taken to the Alfred Hospital adjacent to the Albert Park circuit and spent the night there.

He returned to the track on Sunday and underwent treatment from a physiotherapist but the official FIA medical delegate said he was not fit to drive.

Williams said on its Twitter feed that "the team respects the FIA's decision."