Wehrlein sidelined due to back injury

Pascal Wehrlein will not be able to complete his duties in testing for Sauber due to a back injury.

Wehrlein sustained the injuries in a bizarre incident in January’s Race of Champions event.

After losing to Felipe Massa, Wehrlein crashed into the back of Massa flipping the car into the barriers.

The first pre-season winter test will be held at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, from February 27 to March 2.

The 22-year-old German will be replaced by Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi, who has experience from GP2.

23-year-old Italian will test alongside Marcus Ericsson and could well feature for Sauber in various Friday practice sessions during 2017 according to Sky Sports.