Pascal Wehrlein will return from injury to participate in the second week of testing in Barcelona, Sauber has confirmed.
Wehrlein suffered a back injury during a heavy shunt at the Race of Champions in January, one which saw him sidelined from the first week of 2017's pre-season as a precaution. Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi deputised for Wehrlein on two days, splitting duties with Marcus Ericsson.
The return means Wehrlein is set for his first taste of 2017 machinery and his new team's C36. The German-Mauritian drove for Manor last year before switching to the Hinwil-based team over the winter, though the Mercedes junior had been linked to Nico Rosberg's vacant seat before it eventually went to Valtteri Bottas.
Wehrlein remains a Mercedes junior going into the new season, with boss Toto Wolff keen for the former DTM champion to continue his development lower down the grid after an impressive rookie campaign saw him score a point for Manor at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Sauber confirmed he will be back in the car on Tuesday, the opening day of the second test.
Update on @PWehrlein: We are pleased to inform that Pascal will be ready to hit the track with the #C36 tomorrow. #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/POAtQCaBUv
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) March 6, 2017