Pascal Wehrlein will not make his Sauber debut at the first pre-season test in Barcelona, he has confirmed.
The German has been undergoing medical evaluations since sustaining a back injury in a violent crash at the Race of Champions in Miami last month.
YouTube: Pascal Wehrlein Crash at Race of Champions 2017
Doctors have reportedly advised Wehrlein not to participate and will continue to monitor his physical condition ahead of the second four-day test which begins on March 2nd.
The increased demand of the 2017 cars, which will put a lot more strain on the drivers’ bodies due to higher cornering speeds, could also lead to a more cautious timetable for his return.
Sauber is expected to make an official announcement on the situation in the coming days, with their 2017 car launch set for February 20th and a shakedown completed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya two days later.
Ferrari’s recently hired third driver Antonio Giovinazzi has been mentioned as a likely replacement, with talks between team bosses Monisha Kaltenborn and Maurizio Arrivabene ongoing.
Twitter: RT @ScuderiaFerrari: Fiorano test: #Kimi7 joins Giovinazzi https://t.co/dE8aCraEr5 (@anto_giovinazzi)
The Italian, who recently got his first taste of Formula 1 machinery in a test at Fiorano, would likely drive two of the four days alongside Marcus Ericsson and could be made available for the second test as well.
The injury marks a bitter blow for Wehrlein ahead of his second season in the sport. Following a solid rookie year with Manor, the 22-year-old will likely be at a major disadvantage as the drivers adapt to the challenge of their new cars.
