Williams return to work with a 'limited number of staff'

Williams

Williams return to work with a 'limited number of staff'

The longest Formula 1 'summer' break reaches an end

Sam Hall

Wednesday 27 May 2020 12:13 Updated: 12:18

Williams has returned to work after completing the mandatory 'summer shutdown' period, as Formula 1 begins to discover what is the new normal.

Traditionally, the 'summer break' lasts for 14 consecutive days in August, but this was obviously brought back to accommodate the lockdown during the pandemic.

The total was gradually increased, initially to 21 days, then 35, and finally to 63.

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Williams closed the gates on their Grove factory on March 25, with the team finally returning on May 27.

In a tweet, Williams said: "Our official factory shutdown comes to an end today & we welcome back a limited number of staff.

"Whilst Grove looks a little different with strict social distancing measures in place, it definitely feels good to be back."

Our official factory shutdown comes to an end today & we welcome back a limited number of staff.

Whilst Grove looks a little different with strict social distancing measures in place, it definitely feels good to be back 👊#WeAreWilliams 💙 pic.twitter.com/QskZJah5Fi
— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) May 27, 2020

Renault has already seen engineers return to work at their Viry factory "for activities not covered by the FIA shutdown", but Williams is understood to be the first to fully return.

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