Video: Wehrlein's 'crash and roll' with Massa at ROC

©WRI2

Sauber's new recruit Pascal Wehrlein kicked off his year with a bang yesterday in Miami at the annual ROC event.

The crash happened at the very end the German's group round dual with Felipe Massa in the three-wheeler Polaris Slingshot, which did just that actually when the two drivers made contact.

Unsettled by the contact, Wehrlein clipped the TecPro barrier that separates the two lines and went careering head over heels. Both driver and passenger emerged unscathed however, with damage only done to Wehrlein's ego.

"It was definitely a shock," said Wehrlein. "I hit the barrier first with the front right and that launched me into Felipe. Probably I looked too much at Felipe and that's why I hit the barrier."

On doctor's orders and as a precautionary measure, Wehrlein has been advised to pull out of today's Nations Cup ROC proceedings.

Check out the spectacular incident in the video below.

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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.