Antonio Giovinazzi replaces Pascal Wehrlein at first F1 test

Yesterday afternoon, it was announced by the Antonio Giovinazzi replaces Pascal Wehrlein at first F1 test

Yesterday afternoon, it was announced by the Sauber team that Pascal Wehrlein will not be driving during the first pre-season test, taking place from the 27thFebruary to 2nd March 2017 at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Barcelona.

Since the incident during the Race of Champions in January in Miami, medical examinations have been ongoing because of Pascal Wehrlein's back problems. In a statement issued to the media yesterday Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal of the Sauber F1 Team announced the news that Wehrlein will not be driving at the test as follows, “We took the decision that Pascal will not be driving in the first test in Barcelona. We will monitor his medical progress and will then decide on the next steps,” says Kaltenborn.

Also in a statement issued to the media yesterday, Wehrlein expressed his regrets that he cannot take part in the test but will be present to get familiar with the team,“It is a pity that I cannot be in the car during the first test days, but I will be in Barcelona in order to get familiar with the team's procedures and also to follow the Sauber C36-Ferrari on track,” states Wehrlein.

It was also announced yesterday that Antonio Giovinazzi will replace Pascal Wehrlein for the first in-season test in Barcelona and is delighted to have the opportunity, “I thank the Sauber F1 Team for making this real, and also Ferrari for allowing me to replace Pascal for test one in Barcelona.” Said Giovinazzi.

Further information will be communicated about Wehrlein's condition in due time by the Sauber team.

Sarah Jones