Wehrlein bounces back with impressive P13 quali

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Pascal Wehrlein is back in the Sauber saddle this weekend, achieving an impressive P13 in qualifying and outpacing team mate Marcus Ericsson.

The German comfortably passed the Q1 cut and ended his day relieved and happy about his performance.

"It was a great comeback so I'm really happy about this," Wehrlein enthused.

"Since yesterday we done the right steps in the right direction in terms of set-up. I'm feeling more confident in the car with every lap, and I'm just happy with the result."

While the 22-year-old Mercedes protégé still felt an inkling of pain in his back, he insured it was perfectly manageable and nothing to worry about.

"I feel it but in the car it doesn't really bother me," he admitted.

"I think I'll be fine in the race. It's hot but it's going to be hot for everyone.

"I don't really know what to expect with the performance because my longest run this year was 18 or 20 laps. So I don't really know how the car behaves on a race distance, but I'll try to maximize the result, do my best and have fun.

"I want to thank the Sauber F1 Team as well as Mercedes again for their support, which I have received during my injury lay-off."

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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.