Williams confirm Bottas ready to race

ValtteriBottas - Cropped

Williams have confirmed that Valtteri Bottas is fit to race at the Malaysian Grand Prix after missing the Formula One season opener in Melbourne with a back injury.

Bottas received the all-clear from the FIA medical team on Thursday, with the Finn set to compete in his 39th F1 race on Sunday.

Williams tweeted: "Good News: @ValtteriBottas has been cleared to drive this weekend at the #MalaysiaGP."

The 25-year-old claimed earlier in the week: "I have taken the necessary measures to make sure I arrive in Malaysia fit to race."

Soft tissue damage in Bottas' lower back forced him out of the Australian GP at Albert Park on March 15, despite having qualified sixth fastest.

Bottas finished fourth overall in the F1 drivers' championship last season, while his Williams team-mate Felipe Massa showed good pace in Melbourne, claiming fourth in the opening race of the year.

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