Giovinazzi replaces Wehrlein at Sauber!

©WRI2

Pascal Wehrlein apparently didn't get the green light from the faculty to test next week in Barcelona and will be replaced by Antonio Giovinazzi.

The German sustained a back injury in last month's Race of Champions event in Miami. While he emerged from the spectacular barrel-roll crash unscathed, as a measure of caution he has been ordered further rest.

"We took the decision that Pascal will not be driving in the first test in Barcelona. We will monitor his medical progress and will then decide on the next steps,” says Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal of the Sauber F1 Team.

"It is a pity that I cannot be in the car during the first test days," Wehrlein commented.

"But I will be in Barcelona in order to get familiar with the team’s procedures and also to follow the Sauber C36-Ferrari on track."

Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi will thus replace Pascal Wehrlein for the first in-season test week.

"I thank the Sauber F1 Team for making this real, and also Ferrari for allowing me to replace Pascal for test one in Barcelona."

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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.