Wehrlein to miss Chinese Grand Prix

Sauber have confirmed that Ferrari test driver Antonio Giovinazzi will again partner Marcus Ericsson at the team for this weekend’s 2017 Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix, as Pascal Wehrlein continues to work on regaining his fitness.

Wehrlein missed the season opener in Australia last month, after deciding he was not sufficiently recovered from injuries he sustained in a crash at the Race of Champions event in January.

“Pascal Wehrlein will again be replaced by Antonio Giovinazzi to ensure that the German will be back in the cockpit of the Sauber C36-Ferrari, in best physical shape, at the earliest possible opportunity - either the Bahrain Grand Prix or the Russian Grand Prix,” Sauber stated on Monday.

“For me the most important is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100 percent performance from my side as soon as possible,” added Wehrlein.

“I will then be well-prepared for my first complete Grand Prix weekend for the Sauber F1 Team. Hopefully this can be in Bahrain but, if not, then we will take the time it needs until Russia to make sure I am completely ready.”

Italian Giovinazzi, last year’s GP2 Series runner-up, made a successful F1 debut in Melbourne, qualifying 16th and finishing 12th, despite only learning of his partipation on the Saturday morning of the event.