Ferrari academy member and Sauber reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi will make his first outing for the Swiss team at a Grand Prix weekend, replacing Marcus Ericsson for Practice 1 at Hockenheim on Friday.
The Italian has had to endure yet another year on the sidelines after falling behind Charles Leclerc in the junior ranks at the Scuderia and Haas refusing to consider him, potentially after a difficult two races with Sauber at the beginning of 2017 replacing Pascal Wehrlein.
Still, as speculation continues that the Monegasque may get a Ferrari promotion for next season, that could offer an opportunity for the former GP2 champion to get another chance on the F1 grid.
Asked about handing over his Sauber over to Giovinazzi, Ericsson is unconcerned thanks to his prior knowledge of the German track.
"Hockenheim is a track that I have driven many times, in F1 as well as in GP2 and Formula 3 when I was younger," said the Swede.
"It is a nice track. The biggest challenge is the last sector which can make or break your lap. It is important to have good speed in the straights and work your way through the hairpins in the first half of the lap well."
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Though both drivers failed to finish last time out at Silverstone, at Sauber, expectations have been increased thanks to five top 10's in seven races by Leclerc and also Ericsson starting to produce some better results as well.
"Hopefully we can build on the progress we have made in the last few races, and keep fighting for points," Charles added.
"I really look forward to going back there. It is great to have the German Grand Prix back on the calendar."
