Pascal Wehrlein confirms his absence from Barcelona

As we mention in issue 2101 of AUTOhebdo, Pascal Wehrlein will miss the first winter testing session of the 2017 season F1 in Barcelona played from Monday February 27 to Thursday March 2.

The protégé of Mercedes placed with Sauber F1 Team followed doctors' advice following his accident at the Race of Champions in Miami (Florida) last month where the 2015 champion DTM went into a barrel roll after clashing with Felipe Massa. The 22-year-old German has since recovered from neck compression.

“I will have to miss the first winter tests to follow the doctors' advice because of my back problems. I'm sorry for the team but we will come back stronger.", commented the former Manor pilot.

Sauber F1 Team will therefore have to find a replacement to carry out its tests in addition to the incumbent Marcus Ericsson. The Swiss team could notably turn to Antonio Giovinazzi, who is expected to become a test driver for the Swiss structure.