Mercedes to return to the track on Tuesday at Silverstone

Mercedes

Mercedes to return to the track on Tuesday at Silverstone

Mercedes will use the time to adapt to new distancing procedures

Sam Hall

Thursday 4 June 2020 17:08

Mercedes will conduct a private two-day test at Silverstone ahead of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix.

Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton will both spend time in the car with Bottas driving on Tuesday and Hamilton on Wednesday. The test will be the first time a Formula 1 car will head out on track since pre-season testing came to a close at the end of February.

As in-season testing is banned in Formula 1, Mercedes are using a loophole which allows for the testing of equipment that is at least two-years old. As such, Mercedes will be running the 2018 W09, and all other regulations regarding the testing of older cars will observed.

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Mercedes are using the test primarily to for familiarise team personnel with the strict social distancing protocols that will be in force throughout the opening rounds of the season.

All personnel travelling to Austria for the July 5 season opener will be on site, including the communications team and auxiliary staff such as lorry drivers.

As will be the case in Austria, all team personnel will be tested for Covid-19 before attending and, while on site, the relevant PPE, such as facemasks will be worn.

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