Sergio Perez tests positive again; Nico Hülkenberg gets second chance with Racing Point

Racing Point

Perez tests positive again; Hülkenberg gets second chance with Racing Point

The German will be hoping to start the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix

Ian Parkes

Friday 7 August 2020 10:03

Nico Hülkenberg will again drive for Racing Point this weekend after Sergio Perez again tested positive for Covid-19.

Perez was cleared of quarantine on Thursday, a week after recording a positive test after an initial test was declared as inconclusive.

That resulted in Racing Point turning to Hülkenberg who ultimately missed out on driving in the British Grand Prix due to a sheared bolt lodging in the clutch housing and preventing fire up.

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Perez's latest positive test means Hülkenberg will now get a second opportunity to compete at Silverstone in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix this weekend.

Hülkenberg said: “I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone.

"Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.

"I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend.

"Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed.

"I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery.”

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer added: “Nico did a really strong job last weekend after receiving a last-minute call to drive for us at Silverstone, and he proved why he was an obvious choice to stand in for Checo.

"It was a big shame he couldn’t actually take the start of the race last Sunday, but all that hard work will prove very useful for this weekend.

"We miss having Checo with us, but we wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back into the team in the near future.”