The Formula 1 season, which should have started in mid-March in Australia but was stalled by the coronavirus pandemic, will open from July 3 to 5 on the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, behind closed doors, with reduced staff in the paddock and following a health protocol that Renault tested during tests in mid-June on the Austrian circuit.
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At a week of free practice, the drivers of the French team, Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo were delighted with this prospect during an online press conference. “The wait was too long, launched Ocon. The past year was really difficult (he had to be satisfied with a place of reserve driver at Mercedes), it was different because I had a great challenge ahead of me, with a great team and a competitive car, and I can’t wait to start again, that’s for sure. After being in virtual shopping for so long, getting back on the track was amazing. I felt good, lively, quick. “
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A marathon to the Middle East, mid-December
His teammate, he appreciated not to travel and to keep the same routine during the weeks of confinement he spent in his country of origin, Australia. “This forced break was a chance not only to recover but also to really improve his physical condition, explained Ricciardo. The negative point is of course not being able to drive and run, but being away from it reminded me of how much I want it and how much I miss it. Strangely, I miss even the other pilots! “
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A second GP is planned in Spielberg on July 12, before Hungary on July 19, Great Britain on August 2 and 9, Spain on August 16, Belgium on August 30 and Italy on September 6. The rest of the season, not yet announced, should in principle take teams and drivers to Asia and the Americas, before finishing in the Middle East in mid-December.
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