Pascal Wehrlein had no issues to report on Tuesday following his first session of the year behind the wheel of Sauber's new C36.
The German driver was sidelined on doctors orders after sustaining a back injury in a carsh at last month's Race of Champions in Miami.
Wehrlein only drove in the morning session to gauge his comfort and fitness levels but was satisfied with his performance.
"I am feeling good, I am very happy about today," he said yesterday upon completed his driving.
"I jumped into the car and no pain, nothing. I was pretty happy by lunchtime – totally fine, no issues.
The Mercedes protege has been doubling down on his physical preparation to compensate for the lost time, but he also hopes to catch up on his driving with just a little over two weeks to go before the season kicks off in Melbourne.
"Of course you feel tired, but I don’t have pain," Wehrlein added.
"It is two separate things. I think it is good that my back is not making any trouble, or is painful after a few laps. That is a positive."
"In terms of my own level, I will be back soon. For sure the first race will be quite tough and also the second, because everything is new, new team, new engine, new tyres, new regulations. I lost two days of testing.
"Of course in the beginning I will lack something but I will catch up quite quickly in a few races and then I will be back where I should be."
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