Australian GP: Sauber F1 driver Pascal Wehrlein cleared to race
Sauber Formula 1 driver Pascal Wehrlein has been passed fit to contest the season-opening Australian Grand Prix
Wehrlein missed the opening pre-season test at Barcelona after hurting his back in a crash at the Race of Champions in January.
He returned for the second test, completing four half-days in the C36, and was declared fit to drive by the FIA medical team in Australia on Thursday.
"It was never in doubt," Wehrlein said when asked by Autosport if there were any concerns leading up to Melbourne.
"I was training a lot this winter and yes maybe a few weeks I didn't train as hard as I would have liked but I'm back into training for a few weeks now.
"Definitely the work I did before my injury paid off."
SAUBER NEEDS TO 'TAKE ADVANTAGE' OF ATTRITION
Sauber was the slowest team in testing, with Marcus Ericsson three seconds slower than the pacesetting Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.
It was one of the most reliable performers though, and both drivers believe that reliability with its year-old Ferrari engine could be crucial to it scoring points this weekend.
"Definitely that helps," Wehrlein said. "The first race is always an unknown thing because normally you have a lot of non-finishes.
"We've seen in Barcelona some other teams have issues with reliability and that can help us."
Ericsson revealed Sauber had run "heavier than usual" in testing but admitted the team was "at the back of the midfield".
"We're going in with the goal to score points because I think it's possible," he said.
"No matter how competitive or not we are come Saturday, still we have a good chance on Sunday to score points because quite a few teams have had problems breaking down in testing and we need to take advantage of that."
Previous article
Renault does not feel 'safe' ahead of Honda in F1 engine battle
Next article
Mercedes and Red Bull had to alter F1 suspension designs for 2017
Verstappen v Hamilton: Who was at fault?
Formula 1: Sprint Qualifying analysis
How We'll Know If F1's Sprint Races Worked
The signs that point to F1's rude health
OPINION: Formula 1's calendar might still be facing disruption as the pandemic affects travel but, says MARK GALLAGHER, the business itself is fundamentally strong thanks to the epic rivalry taking place on track and the consistent arrival of new sponsors
The unexpected benefit of F1’s sprint race repeat
OPINION: Formula 1's sprint race trial at Silverstone drew mixed feedback on Saturday, but there remained the true test of how it would impact Sunday's Grand Prix. While fans were busy marvelling at Fernando Alonso's progress, a key lesson was being learned that would directly contribute to the dramatic lap one clash at Copse the following day
The off-track considerations that led to F1’s Hamilton/Verstappen Silverstone shunt
OPINION: Formula 1’s 2021 title fight turned ugly last weekend when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided at the start of the British Grand Prix. Verstappen thankfully walked away unharmed, but this had been a clash long-since coming
Will 2022's all-new cars look like F1's concept model?
Formula 1 provided its clearest example yet of what the 2022 cars are set to look like when it presented a full-scale concept to the world during the build-up to last weekend’s British Grand Prix. Underneath the special shiny livery was a design that hinted at the future, but teams will be digging into key areas that may reap differing results
British Grand Prix Driver Ratings
The 2021 British Grand Prix will live long in the memory for the dramatic clash between Formula 1's two title protagonists, which opened the door for other drivers to capitalise. One did so in spectacular fashion, while others fluffed their lines
How Leclerc almost defied Hamilton after F1 title rivals’ Silverstone clash
A poor start for Valtteri Bottas and the lap one clash between Formula 1's 2021 title protagonists gave Charles Leclerc a surprise lead in the British Grand Prix that he almost held to the end. Here's how the Ferrari driver came close to a famous victory, ultimately denied by a recovering Lewis Hamilton three laps from home
The signs that suggest Mercedes can win the Silverstone F1 race
Red Bull and Max Verstappen scored an early blow against Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes at Silverstone, with sprint qualifying race victory. But that doesn’t mean Sunday’s grand prix is a foregone conclusion. Although Verstappen starts as the favourite, here’s why Mercedes still holds hope of winning
Uncovering Silverstone's engineering secrets for F1 success
Formula 1 returns to Silverstone this weekend, but despite its familiarity to all the teams it is no picnic. Here are five of the key points for engineers to consider prior to the British Grand Prix
