Morbidelli has undergone surgery for his shattered left lower arm. Doctors say he needs to remain in hospital until next Wednesday or Thursday.

The 22-year-old Argentinean driver Norberto Fontana, who will replace Morbidelli, will make his Formula One debut at the Magny-Cours Grand Prix. Fontana has been Sauber's test-driver from 1995.

Rubens Barrichello tested the new V10 Ford engine on the Silverstone (England) circuit today, he clocked a fastest time of 1m 16.3s. Damon Hill tested the scpe D Yamaha engine, he clocked a fastest time of 1m 28.0s.

Magnussen and Verstappen were also testing but only drove untimed laps.