Sauber driver out of Australian Grand Prix

A 23-year-old Italian will make his Formula One debut, replacing injured Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein at the Australian Grand Prix.

Italian Antonio Giovinazzi will take Wehrlein's seat after the German declared himself unfit to contest Melbourne race.

Wehrlein entered Melbourne under an injury could after injuring his back in a crash in January.

He completed 58 laps of Albert Park in two practice sessions on Friday before making his decision.

"My fitness level is not as it should be for a full race distance because of my training deficit," Wehrlein said in a statement.

"Therefore the Sauber F1 Team has decided not to take any risks. It is a pity but the best decision for the team."

His replacement Giovinazzi finished second in last year's GP2 Series, the feeder competition to Formula One.