McNish out of Japanese GP.

Allan McNish's Formula One career appears to have ended earlier than expected, following confirmation that he will not take part in the final round of the 2002 season at Suzuka.

The Scot suffered a massive accident in qualifying for the Japanese race but, despite suffering a mild concussion and bruising to his legs, was passed fit to drive on race day. He went on to record a creditable 13th place in the morning warm-up session, having been bumped out of the top ten by late improvements elsewhere, and showed few ill-effects by regularly featuring in the top ten on the 130R speed charts.

However, it now appears that the aftermath of the practice crash may have caught up with McNish, who has confirmed that he will not line-up on the grid for what would have been his 17th grand prix with Toyota.

"It was the doctor's decision," the Scot told television journalists in Japan.

"My knee is inflamed, and they believe it is not the right thing to do [to drive]. It is not too bad now, but would have got worse with time, and the doctors thought it would be better for me not to race."