Giovinazzi could race in China – report

Editor

Antonio Giovinazzi could have a second opportunity to race in a F1 grand prix with reports in Italy claiming he is likely to fill in for Pascal Wehrlein in China, and maybe Bahrain.

Giovinazzi, Ferrari’s third driver for the 2017 championship, was called up to replace the unfit Wehrlein in Australia after the German withdrew in the wake of Friday’s practices.

Wehrlein felt that he did not have the fitness needed to complete a full race distance following his back injury in January’s Race of Champions.

Giovinazzi was therefore called up and impressed, qualifying 16th for the race and finishing P12.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, he will likely have a second opportunity to do so in China.

The Italian publication reports that the chances of the 23-year-old racing in China are “becoming warmer now” considering that Wehrlein is struggling to get “back into shape” after his accident.

Gazzetta adds that the German may also “not be well in Bahrain.”

Should Giovinazzi compete in either grand prix he will not test for Ferrari in the post-Bahrain outing as he will no longer be eligible for the “young” status.