Wehrlein injury being monitored ahead of testing

Pascal Wehrlein's fitness is being monitored to see if he will be fit to take part in pre-season testing after a crash in the Race of Champions last month.

The Mercedes youngster crashed at the end of a race against Felipe Massa on the first day of the Race of Champions in Miami, with his car dramatically rolling and hitting a barrier (below). Wehrlein missed the second day of the event as a result of medical advice, with the German saying at the time: "It's no more than mild discomfort but my real priority for the coming year is my Formula 1 season."

While Wehrlein showed no signs of injury in television interviews following the crash, it was reported on Monday that he is a doubt for pre-season testing, with German publication Auto Motor und Sport claiming Wehrlein may be forced to sit out at least the first test in Barcelona – taking place from Feb. 27 through March 2 – as a result of a neck concern.

Immediately following the report in Germany, Sauber tweeted confirmation that Wehrlein is being monitored but stopped short of addressing the seriousness of any injury.

"Current rumors about Pascal Wehrlein in the media: The medical examinations are still ongoing," Sauber wrote on its Twitter account. "Therefore, the reports are pure speculations. We will provide information in due time."

Wehrlein will race alongside Marcus Ericsson in 2017 having joined Sauber from Manor. However, with this year's cars expected to be much more physical to drive, it is likely a replacement would be required to conduct testing alongside Ericsson should Wehrlein need to miss any running. Auto Motor und Sport names new Ferrari young driver Antonio Giovinazzi as the most likely candidate if Wehrlein is unable to test, with Sauber using year-old Ferrari power units this year.