It has emerged that there is a possibility that Pascal Wehrlein could miss the first pre-season tests for Sauber in 2017, as a result of his dramatic accident in the Race of Champions event in Miami last month. Sauber has told the press that the German is undergoing medical examination.
The German was forced to withdraw from the Race of Champions event in January after a roll-over accident during his race against Felipe Massa. Massa crossed the line just 0.0014s ahead of the new Sauber driver. Wehrlein understeered out of the final corner and hit the divider in the middle of the track. The impact damaged the front tyre and caused the Polaris Slingshot to veer into Massa’s car, resulting in Wehrlein and his passenger going for a wild ride upside down.
Although everyone was able to walk away from the accident, Wehrlein withdrew from the event under medical advice. The German media has now reported that a potential neck injury could sideline Wehrlein from the first pre-season test.
Although an injury is possible, given the severity of the incident, no medical status has been officially confirmed. Sauber has replied to the claims by the German media, saying that the rumors were just speculation, although they did say that Wehrlein is currently undergoing a medical examination.
Pre-season testing for the 2017 Formula One season starts on February 27 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.
