Wehrlein back in action for Sauber on Friday

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Italian media are reporting that Pascal Wehrlein will be back behind the wheel of his Sauber for Friday's opening practice session in China.

Considering his fitness level as insufficient, the German voluntarily withdrew from the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday morning leaving Sauber to run Ferrari reserve driver Antinio Giovinazzi for the remainder of the race weekend.

While the young Italian hopeful, who impressed on his F1 debut, will remain at the Swiss outfit's disposal, Wehrlein is expected to be fit to drive.

La Gazzetta dello Sport, as well as other Italian sources, report that the 22-year-old will definitely be back in the Swiss team's blue and gold car on Friday morning.

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"The session will be to understand if Wehrlein is able to do the grand prix on Sunday or whether it will once again be Giovinazzi," the newspaper report said.

Last week, Ferrari agreed to release Giovinazzi to Sauber for China, just in case. The young charger will begin his weekend in the red camp but will probably cast an attentive eye on Wehrlein's performance.

"I will be in China dressed in red," said Giovinazzi. "Then we'll see."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.