Renault’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo sits in his car as he takes part in the tests for the new Formula One Grand Prix season at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo in the outskirts of Barcelona on February 19, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)
Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo insisted Friday that he doesn’t see his preparations being hindered when the delayed Formula One season finally gets underway in Austria next weekend.
Ricciardo, starting his final year as a Renault driver before moving to McLaren for 2021, said he won’t allow the strict health protocols introduced in the wake of the coronavirus, to put the brakes on his push for an elusive title.
“Next weekend, I don’t see any preparations being hindered,” said the 30-year-old.
“We’ve got our driver space to warm up and to prepare for the race itself so… I guess it’s more from a general hygiene point of view.
“But as far as getting into the car ready to go, I believe I’ll still be able to use everything I have before to make sure I am hopping in the car one hundred percent.”
The F1 season endured a false start in Melbourne in March ahead of the coronavirus shutdown.
A curtailed calendar will now see eight races in Europe, starting at Spielberg next week.
However, they will all be behind closed doors while circuit and paddock access will be tightly controlled.
“The negative of course was not being able to compete, but being away from it reiterated how much I want and how much I miss it,” added Ricciardo, who was ninth in the championship last season.
“I weirdly even miss the drivers. I am looking forward to seeing everyone.”
Teammate Esteban Ocon returns to the sport a year after losing his drive at Force India.
The highly-regarded 23-year-old admitted he can’t wait to get back behind the wheel after replacing Nico Hulkenberg.
“As a wait, last year was very difficult,” the Frenchman said.
“This year is different because I am into a great team, I have a great challenge ahead, with a competitive car and I look forward to restart for sure.”
Renault was fifth in the constructors championship in 2019 behind champions Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren.