NEIL SIMPSON has written off his rally season on medical advice.

The 29-year-old Colne driver suffered a broken arm and fractured wrist in a testing accident prior to last month's Scottish Rally.

And although he was expected to be back in the driving seat of his factory Volkswagen Polo GTi in time for the Rally of Kent, Simpson injuries have taken longer to heal than expected.

As a result, former British champion David Higgins - brought in to deputise for the highly-rated Simpson - will now complete the season with the TNT-backed squad.

"While the arm is healing really well and there's nothing to stop me from getting behind the wheel again, " said Simpson, pictured.

"But I've been warned that another accident at this stage, while the bones are recovering, could do serious damage.

"The sensible decision, therefore, is to skip the final two events of the year and concentrate on getting myself fully fit and ready for 2002.

"It's disappointing, of course, but I have to be thankful that I wasn't more badly injured."

The crash occurred when a suspension component on the Polo GTi failed during a test in the Scottish forests, pitching the both car and crew off the road.

Ironically, the damage to the factory machine was light, and the team had little trouble repairing it in time for the two-day event, round four of the Formula Rally Championship.

But the injuries meant Simpson could only watch from the sidelines as last-minute replacement Higgins drove the car to its first rally finish of the season.

Steve Bagnall, Volkwagen Racing's UK operations director, was keen to stress that Simpson was still an important part of the team's future plans.

He said: "Neil is making a sensible decision and we're right behind him."