Montoya will be replaced by test driver Pedro de la Rosa

The Colombian driver suffered a hairline fracture of the shoulder when he fell while playing tennis last week.

After further examination, the McLaren medical team have advised Montoya to rest and test driver Pedro de la Rosa will race in Bahrain instead.

"Driving a Formula One car is hard and would be impossible to do with my injuries," said the 29-year-old.

Bahrain circuit: animated guide

Montoya finished fourth in the Malaysian GP a week ago and is tied for third in the drivers' standings with eight points.

And though he is keen to get his title challenge back on track with new team McLaren, the Colombian realises he must be fully fit first.

I think Ferrari and Michael will win but only marginally from Alonso From Imran Have your say on Five Live

"I'm obviously disappointed not to be able to race," he added.

"But we have to follow the advice of the medical team.

"I'm already looking forward to getting back into action but at least its early season and a lot can happen, so I don't think my championships challenge is over."

McLaren's other test driver Alex Wurz will pilot the third car during Friday's two practice sessions.