F1 reports two positive Covid-19 cases; individuals not with a team, racing continues

Formula 1

F1 reports two positive Covid-19 cases; individuals not with a team, racing continues

The persons involved were not in Austria last weekend, nor have frontline roles

Ian Parkes

Friday 17 July 2020 17:23 Updated: 17:38

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Formula 1 has reported two positive cases of Covid-19 in the past week, although GPFans understands that neither person is connected with a team.

Across the first two weeks of the season, from over 8,000 tests, there were no positive results. From Friday, July 10 through to Thursday, July 16, the two cases have arisen from an additional 4,997 tests.

F1 has stressed that the two individuals concerned were not present across the Styrian Grand Prix weekend.

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A statement read: "The FIA and Formula 1 can today confirm that between Friday 10th July and Thursday 16th July, 4,997 tests for COVID-19 have been performed on drivers, teams and personnel.

"Of these, two people have tested positive. The individuals were not present in Austria, with the affected people removed from operations and isolated.

"Tracing of close contacts completed and isolated. The FIA and Formula 1 are providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency.

"No specific details as to teams or individuals will be provided by the FIA or Formula 1 and results will be made public every 7 days."

It is further understood that aside from not being involved in one of the 10 F1 teams, neither person operated in a frontline role at the Red Bull Ring, and so there is no impact on the racing at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

F1 is reassured by the fact that its test and trace system is working, and believes it vital the sport - and the watching public from afar - becomes accustomed to positive cases occurring on occasion.

There is the additional belief that with the rigorous 'biosphere' system in place that F1 can comfortably handle any situations that may occur, and it will continue to operate in an efficient and effective manner.

The sport takes heart from the fact that after watching the Premier League, for instance, operate effectively over the past few weeks, and continue to carry on despite the fact there have been regular weekly cases, that it, too, can fulfil its obligations regarding the safety of all concerned.

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