He is now looking forward to the 2008 season opener, but the Swiss newspaper Blick revealed that Zehnder was diagnosed with a tumour and had his right kidney removed -- a similar procedure undergone by Renault boss Flavio Briatore two years ago.

"I am quite okay and the surgery went well," Zehnder reports.

He had to miss many of the pre-season winter tests while ill, but Zehnder said he was kept "constantly informed" about the Hinwil based team's progress with the F1.08 single seater.

Zehnder also told Blick that 32 tonnes of team cargo will this week commence the long haul trek to Australia for the first race.

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