Italian Antonio Giovinazzi will replace Pascal Wehrlien for the Australian Grand Prix this weekend with the Sauber F1 Team. The Scuderia Ferrari development and reserve will make his Formula One debut sitting in for the German due to niggling fitness concerns following a incident during the pre-season Race of Champions Event.

“My fitness level is not as it should be for a full race distance because of my training deficit. I explained the situation to the team yesterday evening. Therefore, the Sauber F1 Team has decided not to take any risks. It is a pity, but the best decision for the team.” Comments Wehrlien.

At this time both team and driver remain confident Pascal will return to the cockpit for the second round of the 2017 season in China.

“We have great respect of Pascal’s openness and professionalism. This decision was definitely not an easy one for him, it underlines his qualities as a team player. The focus is now on his fitness level, and in such a situation we do not take any unnecessary risks. Pascal will be in China as planned.” Remarked Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn.

Giovinazzo completed Fp3 in P20 as he aclimitises to the track and continues team integration.