Sauber have branded reports that Pascal Wehrlein will miss pre-season testing due to a neck injury "speculation", though admit medical examinations are ongoing following the German's crash at the Race of Champions in January.
Wehrlein, who joins Sauber from Manor for the 2017 season after missing out on a promotion to Mercedes, was involved in a crash at the annual RoC event in Miami a fortnight ago.
The 22-year-old hit a barrier as he crossed the finish line in his Polaris Slingshot SLR, then made contact with rival Felipe Massa before rolling over.
Wehrlein and his passenger both exited the vehicle and looked to be fine, though Wehrlein took no further part in the contest on advice from doctors.
Speaking afterwards, he said he had nothing more than "mild discomfort" in his neck, but added that his "real priority" was feeling fit for the F1 season.
Reports in Germany claimed that Wehrlein could miss the opening test due to the injury and potentially also miss the second, meaning his first taste of Sauber's 2017 car would come at the opening race in Australia.
However Sauber has moved to deny those claims, adding that more information would be released after further examination next week.
"Current rumours about Pascal Wehrlein in the media: The medical examinations are still ongoing," read a tweet by the team.
"Therefore, the reports are pure speculations. We will provide information in due time."
Pre-season testing will begin at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 27 February.
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