Could an injured Pascal Wehrlein miss the first pre-season test?

Pascal Wehrlein's medical condition is currently under review following a neck injury sustained at the Race of Champions event in Miami recently.

Wehrlein suffured a big crash following a collision with Felipe Massa, and while he appeared to emerge unscathed, a diagnostic revealed a neck injury which forced the driver to withdraw from the second day of the ROC.

The Sauber driver will need to get the green light from the FIA before being able to take part in the first pre-season test which gets underway at the Circuit de Catalunya on February 27.

Sauber issued a short statement on Twitter stating that Wehrlein's conditions was still under review.

"Current rumors about Pascal Wehrlein in the media: the medical examinations are still ongoing," Sauber tweeted.

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"Therefore, the reports are pure speculation. We will provide information in due time."

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.