Shane van Gisbergen will miss next weekend’s opening round of the GT World Challenge Australia after undergoing surgery.
The Kiwi Supercars star and current championship leader was set to enter a Triple Eight-backed Mercedes AMG GT3 at the Phillip Island event over the weekend.
However, a mountain biking accident and consequent collarbone injury has ruled van Gisbergen out of the event.
A statement by Triple Eight said that van Gisbergen would be medically fit to compete in the event. But they have insisted on sitting out of a race car for two weeks to ensure he is healthy to race in the second Supercars event at Sandown later this month.
Jamie Whincup will race in place of van Gisbergen at Phillip Island.
“Shane van Gisbergen is recovering from successful surgery on his collarbone after a mountain biking accident this morning,” the statement read.
“The Red Bull Ampol Racing driver had a plate inserted during the routine procedure in Brisbane this afternoon and is expected to recover well.
“Van Gisbergen was due to race in the debut round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS series next weekend at Phillip Island.
“While medically he would likely be able to do so, the decision has been made to wait until the Sandown SuperSprint in two weeks to return to the wheel to allow more time for a smooth recovery.
“Jamie Whincup will take his seat alongside His Highness Prince Jefri Ibrahim in the No. 888 AMG GT3 Evo.”
Van Gisbergen remains unbeaten in the 2021 Supercars championship, clean sweeping the opening round at Bathurst last weekend. He holds a 33 point lead over Chaz Mostert.