Mercedes To Start Test Next Week As Formula 1 Resumes In July

 

After a very long hiatus, things are about to resume in Formula 1 as the season is set to begin with two races in Austria on the 5th and 12th of July respectively.

The statement came from Formula 1 after getting the approval of the government of the host country. So far, we are getting a total of eight races in Europe within two months.

The races would take place behind closed doors with a maximum of 80 persons for the 10 teams in each of the eight races. The Austrian Grand Prix has received huge support from the government including health measures to be employed in the two races to keep everyone safe. Formula 1 had earlier hinted that they would begin the season in Austria.

As things would turn out, Austria happens to be one of the countries moving on after being hit by the pandemic. Although Formula 1 hoped to end the season in Abu Dhabi, there is no official word on that now as we only have news of the European races.

After the two races in Austria, the third would take place in Hungary which would be followed by a two week break. Racing would resume in Britain with two races on the 2nd and 9th of August.

From there we move to Spain for the Spanish Grand Prix which would hold in Barcelona on the 16th of August. The last two races would be the Belgian and Italian Grand Prix which would take place on the 30th of August and 6th of September respectively.

With races set to resume about a month from now, Team Mercedes would begin training in Silverstone, venue for the British Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton and teammate, Valtteri Bottas would take one day, each, next week to fine-tune their skills as they get ready to start the season.

Since the Formula 1 regulations do not allow the use of new cars for testing during the season, both drivers would make use of 2018 Mercedes cars.

The test would give the drivers a go at the wheels after months of being away and would also be an avenue for the other team members to get familiarise themselves with the various rules and safety measures that would be in place for the Austrian Grand Prix.