Wehrlein ‘very happy’ with first Sauber run

Editor

Pascal Wehrlein was very happy to be back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as he put in his first laps in the Sauber C36 in Spain.

Wehrlein was forced to withdraw from the opening pre-season test after injurying his back when he crashed at the Race of Champions.

Under doctors advice he was sidelined with his place in the line-up going to Ferrari’s third driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

The German, though, was cleared to return to work on Tuesday and put his first laps with his new team, Sauber.

He covered 47 laps of the Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday morning, finishing 11th of the 13 runners.

“First of all I am very happy, to be back in the Sauber F1 Team as a race driver after my back problems,” Wehrlein said.

“It was a real good feeling to be on track in the new car and getting back on the pace – and to get the first impression of the Sauber C36-Ferrari.

“During the session this morning it was just to get familiar with the procedures of the new car.

“Now I am looking forward to being back on track tomorrow.”