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Originally posted by Dwill104:
Always liked Imola in the old days. Be interesting how the current F1 cars do on it compared to the past. Know nothing about the track in Portugal.

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Sergio Perez will not be able to race in this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone after he tested positive for Covid-19.

The Racing Point driver was absent from the circuit on Thursday after self-isolating following what his team called an "inconclusive" test.

But after being re-tested later in the day, it was confirmed he had registered positive for the virus.

"Perez has entered self-quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the relevant public health authorities, and will continue to follow the procedure mandated by those authorities," read a statement issued by Formula 1 and the FIA.

"With assistance of the local organiser of the British Grand Prix, local health authorities and the FIA COVID-19 delegate, a full track and trace initiative has been undertaken and all close contacts have been quarantined.

"The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend’s event."

Formula 1 is following a strict testing regime as part of the safety protocols put in place when racing resumed earlier this month, and this is the first time a driver has tested positive.

It's understood Racing Point intend to still run two car's in this weekend's race, with a revised driver line-up to be announced in due course.

A team spokesperson earlier confirmed a small group of team members that were in contact with Perez were self-isolating as a precaution and being re-tested, as is standard procedure.

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Nico Hulkenberg is set to make a shock return to Formula 1 as Sergio Perez’s replacement at Racing Point for this weekend’s British Grand Prix, with the German spotted outside Silverstone on Friday morning.

Perez tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, leaving Racing Point in need of a driver, and it seems they have turned to a man who raced for them in their Force India guise in 2012, and from 2014 to 2016.

Hulkenberg left Formula 1 at the end of last season after Renault opted not to renew his contract and he did not find a suitable drive elsewhere on the grid. But at the time, he told F1.com it didn't feel like it was the end.

He was linked to a return to Renault for 2021, but missed out after the French manufacturer opted to facilitate double world champion Fernando Alonso’s sensational return.

But sources confirmed to Formula1.com on Thursday that Hulkenberg was the team’s leading contender to step in for Perez, who is now in self-isolation.

“I was on my way to the Nürburgring for another racing project when the call from Otmar came," said Hulkenberg. "That was less than 24 hours ago, so it feels a bit surreal for me right now, but I like a good challenge and this is certainly one.

"It’s obviously a difficult situation for Racing Point and Checo. He’s a buddy of mine, an old team-mate and I wish him a speedy recovery. I’ll step in and try do the best I can for the team!”

Otmar Szafnauer, Racing Point Team Principal, added: "Having to find a replacement for Sergio at short notice is no easy task, but in Nico we’ve got a fantastic supersub who the team knows very well. He’s certainly being thrown in at the deep end, but he’s a fast learner and I’m sure he will get up to speed quickly.”

As first practice for the British Grand Prix neared, Hulkenberg was still waiting for his test result, but the German made it into the track in time for FP1.

The arrangement is for this weekend’s British Grand Prix, but with Perez set to be unavailable for the second race at Silverstone, too, it is understood Hulkenberg will contest both Grands Prix for the team.

With 177 races under his belt and no podiums, Hulkenberg famously holds one of F1's least wanted records. But with Racing Point's RP20 expected to go well at Silverstone, he returns to action with no better chance of ending that drought.

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Originally posted by Dwill104:
I don’t understand why teams have reserve drivers, but when one is actually needed, they get someone else. Hulkenberg isn’t RP’s reserve driver. He has no familiarity with the car, probably doesn’t have time for a proper seat fitting, and isn’t up on all of the F1 Covid protocols, so they have to run around to get him in the car. Don’t see how he is better. Seems like a slap in the face to RP’s designated reserve drivers.

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Hulkenberg is a former Force India driver, and is familiar with the team, and only a few races (and winter testing) out of practice

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Originally posted by P250UA5:

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Originally posted by Dwill104:
I don’t understand why teams have reserve drivers, but when one is actually needed, they get someone else. Hulkenberg isn’t RP’s reserve driver. He has no familiarity with the car, probably doesn’t have time for a proper seat fitting, and isn’t up on all of the F1 Covid protocols, so they have to run around to get him in the car. Don’t see how he is better. Seems like a slap in the face to RP’s designated reserve drivers.

From what I've read:
Vandoorne is unavailable as he is racing Formula E.
Gutierrez hasn't driven an F1 car since 2016 & may not have an active superlicense.

Hulkenberg is a former Force India driver, and is familiar with the team, and only a few races (and winter testing) out of practice.

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Originally posted by Georgeair:
Hulk was 9 in FP1, so his seat must work....

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Originally posted by Dwill104:

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Originally posted by P250UA5:

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Originally posted by Dwill104:
I don’t understand why teams have reserve drivers, but when one is actually needed, they get someone else. Hulkenberg isn’t RP’s reserve driver. He has no familiarity with the car, probably doesn’t have time for a proper seat fitting, and isn’t up on all of the F1 Covid protocols, so they have to run around to get him in the car. Don’t see how he is better. Seems like a slap in the face to RP’s designated reserve drivers.

From what I've read:
Vandoorne is unavailable as he is racing Formula E.
Gutierrez hasn't driven an F1 car since 2016 & may not have an active superlicense.

Hulkenberg is a former Force India driver, and is familiar with the team, and only a few races (and winter testing) out of practice.

Fair point about Vandoorne, but that begs the question about why keep Gutierrez as a Reserve Driver, especially if he doesn’t have an active superlicense?

I do think it would be funny, though, if Hulkenberg beat Stroll.

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Originally posted by HuskySig:
So does Chinstrap win by more or less than 10 seconds tomorrow? I’ll take the over.

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Originally posted by P250UA5:

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Originally posted by HuskySig:
So does Chinstrap win by more or less than 10 seconds tomorrow? I’ll take the over.

I'll take the under on that. Bottas has been on a good run this weekend.