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Former Force India F1 driver turned TV presenter, Paul di Resta has been known as again to the paddock by McLaren as a reserve driver for the 70th Anniversary GP at Silverstone, ought to one among its drivers be unable to race amidst the COVID-19 disaster.
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Paul di Resta will race if Racing Point’s Carlos Sainz Jr or Lando Norris check constructive for COVID-19
Three years after his final stint in a Formula 1 automobile, former F1 driver turned TV presenter, Paul di Resta might return to racing this weekend. The Scot is on standby as a reserve driver at McLaren for the upcoming 70th Anniversary Grand Prix this weekend at Silverstone, as a part of the staff’s contingency plan within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. After Racing Point’s Sergio Perez examined constructive for the coronavirus final week proper earlier than the British GP, the staff needed to name Nico Hulkenberg for the race. Other groups have needed to plan for again-up choices as properly, ought to issues go awry. Di Resta carried out a seat fitment earlier this week and can solely are available contact with the McLaren staff when needed. Interestingly, each Di Resta and Hulkenberg are former Force India drivers.
Also Read: F1: Nico Hulkenberg To Replace COVID-19 Infected Perez For British GP
But why deliver Paul di Resta again to the paddocks you ask? While McLaren like Racing Point has an settlement with Mercedes to make use of its reserve drivers – Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez, each are presently not out there to compete within the upcoming race. Vandoorne is already competing in Formula E and is busy with the again-to-again races till the finale on August 13, 2020. On the opposite hand, Gutierrez doesn’t have a legitimate tremendous-licence anymore as he final raced in F1 in 2016 4 seasons in the past, which makes him ineligible.
A press release from McLaren learn, “As we have previously confirmed, we have an arrangement with Mercedes to use their reserve drivers in the event either Carlos or Lando are unable to race. With Stoffel Vandoorne unavailable due to his Formula E commitments and Esteban Gutierrez currently not eligible for a super licence, Paul di Resta will be our standby driver this weekend. Paul carried out a seat fit at the MTC this morning in compliance with the FIA COVID-19 protocols but will not be in close contact with the McLaren race team unless needed. Paul will continue his duties with Sky Sports F1 this weekend as planned.”
Also Read: F1: McLaren Withdraws From 2020 Australian GP After Team Member Tests Positive For Coronavirus
Paul di Resta’s final F1 race was in 2017 as a reserve for Williams, when he was filling in for an unwell Felipe Massa on the Hungarian GP. The driver although was previously part of Force India (now referred to as Racing Point) between 2011 and 2013. With 59 grand prix begins, the 34-year-outdated’s profession-finest end has been within the fourth place twice. Di Resta has additionally competed in DTM since his time in F1 and is part of United Autosports’ LMP2 line-up within the FIA World Endurance Championship.
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Racing Point’s Sergio Perez testing constructive for COVID-19 was the primary such case for any F1 driver this season. Racing Point needed to name upon Nico Hulkenberg in a final-minute change to drive alongside Lance Stroll. Sadly, a technical failure barred Hulkenberg from competing within the British GP moments earlier than the race started. The driver is anticipated to return for the 70th Anniversary GP as Perez is but to check unfavourable for the virus.
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