ALL TESTS COME BACK NEGATIVE

FORMULA ONE organisers have announced zero positive tests for coronavirus as the sport made its long-awaited return in Austria at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring.

After the delay due to the global pandemic, the first Grand Prix of the year has been boosted by news of a full round of negative tests.

‘The FIA and Formula One can confirm that between June 26 and July 2, 4,032 drivers, teams and personnel were tested for Covid19,’ said a joint statement by the governing bodies. ‘Of these, zero people have tested positive.’

Strict protocols have been implemented for the restart of racing, including teams being tested prior to flying out from their respective countries and personnel attending the circuit undergoing a test every five days.

What was due to be a recordbreaking 22-race calendar was torn up due to the virus. Today’s race will mark the first of eight races in 10 whirlwind weeks.

They race again in Austria next week before going to Hungary on July 19. There will then be two races at Silverstone (August 2 and 9) before rounds in Spain (August 16), Belgium (August 30) and Italy (September 6).

The sport’s bosses remain hopeful of announcing at least a further eight races, with the campaign to end in Abu Dhabi in the middle of December.