Ferrari has released reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi to Sauber for the upcoming China Grand Prix should the Swiss outfit require the young Italian's services.
According to Italy's La Gazetta dello Sport, the Scuderia was initially reluctant to do so.
Why ? Because letting Giovinazzi do more races for Sauber would make the 23-year-old hopeful ineligible for the 'young driver' tests scheduled for later this year.
Ferrari's intention was to run their reserve driver at these tests.
But given Pascal Wehrlein's fitness issues, and Giovinazzi's very good showing in Melbourne, having the young charger on hand in China has now become a necessity.
"That Giovinazzi will get another opportunity to drive for Sauber now becomes more real," said correspondent Andrea Cremonesi.
"Because Ferrari has decided to 'sacrifice' being able to use him in the tests after Bahrain."
GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…
When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…
Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…
Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…
Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…