Racing Point has no concerns over Stroll ahead of Portuguese GP after positive Covid test

Racing Point

Racing Point has no concerns over Stroll ahead of Portuguese GP after positive Covid test

Canadian was diagnosed with coronavirus on the evening of the Eifel GP

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 21 October 2020 17:30 Updated: 17:40

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Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer has reassured Formula 1 he has no concerns over Lance Stroll's health going into this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix following his recent positive Covid-19 test.

Stroll did not report to the garage for final practice ahead of the Eifel GP at the Nürburgring due to suffering from an upset stomach and ultimately missed the race weekend, with Nico Hülkenberg serving as stand-in.

Although the Canadian then recorded a positive test on Sunday evening, Szafnauer has insisted all protocols laid down by F1, the FIA and the team in light of the global pandemic were stringently adhered to.

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"Lance had first reported an upset stomach during the Russian Grand Prix week and subsequently tested negative for Covid-19 several times, tests taken in line with both the FIA and Racing Point’s own protocols," said Szafnauer.

"He also tested negative before arrival in Germany in the official pre-event test for the Eifel Grand Prix. The upset stomach symptoms returned on Saturday which forced Lance to withdraw from the race and stay in his motorhome away from the paddock.

"He consulted with a doctor who did not believe his symptoms indicated Covid-19 and did not advise a test was necessary. Based on this clinical assessment, at the time there was no requirement to inform the FIA as to the nature of the illness."

Szafnauer continued to describe how Stroll had left the team 'bubble' to return home on the morning of the race and only then returned a positive test.

However, it has been confirmed that all members of the team, including Stroll, have since returned negative tests and will attend this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix.

"Lance then flew home to Switzerland on a private plane on Sunday morning," Szafnauer added.

"In line with Racing Point’s enhanced testing protocol, under which all team members are tested on return from a Grand Prix, Lance took a Covid-19 test at home and received a positive result the next day.

"He continued to isolate for ten days from the date of the test, in line with local regulations. He returned a negative test on Monday this week and will travel to the Portuguese Grand Prix.

"All members of the Racing Point team at the Eifel Grand Prix returned to the UK via a private charter flight and all tested negative upon their arrival, and again in their pre-event test for the Portuguese Grand Prix."

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