Pascal Wehrlein could miss first F1 pre-season test in Barcelona

It has been reported by Autosport this afternoon that Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein will miss the first Formula 1 pre-season test because of a back injury, with Ferrari third driver Antonio Giovinazzi stepping in if he is not fit enough to do so.

Wehrlein was injured during last month's Race of Champions event and has since undergone several medical examinations, with the focus initially on his neck. The tests have now that he has a back injury and the German has been advised to miss the first pre-season test at Barcelona, which starts on February 27, to allow for more recovery time.

Sauber has yet to confirm the move but an announcement is expected in the coming days. There will be further checks will be carried out on him before deciding if Wehrlien for the second test that begins on March 7.

If Wehrlein cannot drive, it is expected that Giovinazzi will split testing duties with Marcus Ericsson, with each driving two days apiece at Barcelona.

It has been no secret that Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn has been holding discussions with Ferrari counterpart Maurizio Arrivabene regarding signing the Italian to the team this year. The Swiss team is interested in making the GP2 runner-up its reserve driver but such a deal has been made complicated given his Ferrari duties.

Giovinazzi drove an F1 car for the first time earlier this month when he tested Ferrari’s 2015 car at Fiorano. But Ferrari, which has supplied engines to Sauber since 2010, has made Giovinazzi available to drive in the first test. However Autosport have also suggested that there is an option for the arrangement to continue into the second test should Wehrlein not recover in time.

Sarah Jones-@jonesy_laaa