Pascal Wehrlein to sit out Chinese GP with Antonio Giovinazzi taking the seat
The German driver is still not fit enough to race
Pascal Wehrlein will miss the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend as he is still not fit enough to race.
The German driver pulled out of the season opener in Australia 10 days ago at the last minute after concerns that he had not sufficiently recovered from a back injury sustained in a crash at the Race of Champions, and Sauber have now confirmed he will miss the race in China as well.
Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi replaced Wehrlein in Melbourne and will again sub in for him this weekend in Shanghai.
'Pascal Wehrlein will again be replaced by Antonio Giovinazzi to ensure that the German will be back in the cockpit of the Sauber C36-Ferrari, in best physical shape, at the earliest possible opportunity - either the Bahrain Grand Prix or the Russian Grand Prix,' a Sauber statement said on Monday.
Antonio Giovinazzi will again race for Sauber in Wehrlein's place this weekend
Wehrlein, 22, said: 'For me the most important is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100 percent performance from my side as soon as possible.
'I will then be well-prepared for my first complete Grand Prix weekend for the Sauber F1 Team.
'Hopefully this can be in Bahrain but, if not, then we will take the time it needs until Russia to make sure I am completely ready.'
Giovinazzi impressed in his first weekend as a Grand Prix driver
Giovinazzi, 23, performed well in Australia - very nearly out-qualifying regular Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson despite not getting the call that he was driving until early on the Saturday morning.
He went on to finish 12th, while Ericsson failed to finish.
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I thought after Australia that I wouldn't be suprised if Sauber dropped Wehrlein entirely before the end of the season but at the foing rate, it looks like that may be a lot sooner than expected.