Jehan Daruvala will drive a Formula One car for the first time when he tests last year`s McLaren at Silverstone this week as part of his bid to become the third Indian to race at the pinnacle of motorsport. The Red Bull junior driver, third in the Formula Two standings and already qualified for a Formula One super licence, will be behind the wheel on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"This is nothing related to me getting a drive next year in Formula One," he told reporters on Monday.

"But I have got this opportunity to be in an F1 car and do well and if I do get the opportunity I want to be ready."

Daruvala is the highest placed Red Bull junior in F2 but is in his third season and progressing up the ladder looks difficult for the 23-year-old. Red Bull`s main F1 team have world champion Max Verstappen and Mexican Sergio Perez on multi-year deals while sister team AlphaTauri have confirmed Frenchman Pierre Gasly for 2023.

Japan`s Yuki Tsunoda, a Honda protege, is also likely to remain. Last year`s Formula Two champion, Australian Oscar Piastri, has yet to secure a race seat but is Alpine reserve driver with the Renault-owned team confident he will be racing somewhere in F1 next season.

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India`s Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok raced in Formula One at a time when it was easier for those bringing sponsorship to secure a seat. Daruvala, a `One in a Billion` find in a competition set up by tycoon Vijay Mallya and the now-defunct Force India team, could be the best his country has produced yet still have less chance of making it.

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He told Reuters earlier this year that 2022 was a make-or-break year and he would not give up on his dream.

"I don’t see why if I win the championship and am the most successful Red Bull junior why I can’t get a seat in the future," he said.

"Formula One is my dream and even if there is a 5% chance of me going to F1 I will wait for that opportunity."

Jehan Daruvala will drive a Formula One car for the first time when he tests last year`s McLaren at Silverstone this week as part of his bid to become the third Indian to race at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Jehan Daruvala will drive a Formula One car for the first time when he tests last year`s McLaren at Silverstone this week as part of his bid to become the third Indian to race at the pinnacle of motorsport. The Red Bull junior driver, third in the Formula Two standings and already qualified for a Formula One super licence, will be behind the wheel on Tuesday and Wednesday. "This is nothing related to me getting a drive next year in Formula One," he told reporters on Monday. "But I have got this opportunity to be in an F1 car and do well and if I do get the opportunity I want to be ready." Daruvala is the highest placed Red Bull junior in F2 but is in his third season and progressing up the ladder looks difficult for the 23-year-old. Red Bull`s main F1 team have world champion Max Verstappen and Mexican Sergio Perez on multi-year deals while sister team AlphaTauri have confirmed Frenchman Pierre Gasly for 2023. Japan`s Yuki Tsunoda, a Honda protege, is also likely to remain. Last year`s Formula Two champion, Australian Oscar Piastri, has yet to secure a race seat but is Alpine reserve driver with the Renault-owned team confident he will be racing somewhere in F1 next season. Also Read: FIFA World Cup fans can face up to 7 years in Jail if caught having one-night stands in Qatar India`s Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok raced in Formula One at a time when it was easier for those bringing sponsorship to secure a seat. Daruvala, a `One in a Billion` find in a competition set up by tycoon Vijay Mallya and the now-defunct Force India team, could be the best his country has produced yet still have less chance of making it. Also Read: Ex-Pakistan pacer Md. Amir responds to Rohit Sharma's 'he is just a normal bowler' comment from 2016 He told Reuters earlier this year that 2022 was a make-or-break year and he would not give up on his dream. "I don’t see why if I win the championship and am the most successful Red Bull junior why I can’t get a seat in the future," he said. "Formula One is my dream and even if there is a 5% chance of me going to F1 I will wait for that opportunity."

India's Jehan Daruvala to have first taste of Formula One with McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo will be fit for Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix after recovering from COVID-19, his McLaren team said on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Australian tested positive last week and was unable to participate in three days of pre-season testing in the Gulf kingdom.

"Daniel has now returned a number of negative tests and will therefore return to the paddock on Thursday ready to compete in this weekend's Bahrain GP," McLaren said.

"Daniel has been feeling better each day as he continued to recover while in isolation following local regulations in Bahrain."

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Rivals Alpine had offered McLaren their Australian reserve driver Oscar Piastri as a stand-in should Ricciardo have been unable to race.

Practice for the opening race at Sakhir is on Friday and Ricciardo will go into it without having driven the car since Barcelona on Feb. 24.

Bahrain is something of a home race for McLaren, with the team majority owned by the Gulf kingdom's sovereign investment fund Mumtalakat.

Ricciardo finished seventh last year with teammate Lando Norris fourth.

Daniel Ricciardo will be fit for Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix after recovering from COVID-19, his McLaren team said on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Australian tested positive last week and was unable to participate in three days of pre-season testing in the Gulf kingdom.

Daniel Ricciardo will be fit for Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix after recovering from COVID-19, his McLaren team said on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Australian tested positive last week and was unable to participate in three days of pre-season testing in the Gulf kingdom. "Daniel has now returned a number of negative tests and will therefore return to the paddock on Thursday ready to compete in this weekend's Bahrain GP," McLaren said. "Daniel has been feeling better each day as he continued to recover while in isolation following local regulations in Bahrain." ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Defending champion Paula Badosa beats Leylah Fernandez; Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep enter quarters Rivals Alpine had offered McLaren their Australian reserve driver Oscar Piastri as a stand-in should Ricciardo have been unable to race. Practice for the opening race at Sakhir is on Friday and Ricciardo will go into it without having driven the car since Barcelona on Feb. 24. Bahrain is something of a home race for McLaren, with the team majority owned by the Gulf kingdom's sovereign investment fund Mumtalakat. Ricciardo finished seventh last year with teammate Lando Norris fourth.

McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo fit to take part in Bahrain Grand Prix after negative COVID tests

Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for COVID-19, but is set to complete his isolation in time for Formula 1's 2022 season-opening race in Bahrain.

The McLaren driver felt unwell on Wednesday, the day before running at the Bahrain International Circuit began, and initially returned negative tests.

However on Friday, after day two of the test was completed, McLaren revealed the Australian has now returned a positive PCR test.

The team say he is continuing to isolate in accordance with local regulations.

They added: "Under these regulations, Daniel will be released in time for next weekend's Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Daniel is already beginning to feel better, and we wish him well for a quick recovery."

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Ricciardo said on social media: "Better this week than next... Unfortunate to miss the test, but I'm starting to feel better. I'll stay isolated and just focus on next weekend. Big thanks to Lando &amp; McLaren for the heavy lifting, I owe you some beers (milk for Lando). Appreciate the well wishes from everyone as well."

Norris will drive all day on Saturday - the final day of the test - having fulfilled driving duties on the opening two days, where McLaren struggled with brake issues and managed just over 100 laps in total.

Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for COVID-19, but is set to complete his isolation in time for Formula 1's 2022 season-opening race in Bahrain. The McLaren driver felt unwell on Wednesday, the day before running at the Bahrain International Circuit began, and initially returned negative tests.

Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for COVID-19, but is set to complete his isolation in time for Formula 1's 2022 season-opening race in Bahrain. The McLaren driver felt unwell on Wednesday, the day before running at the Bahrain International Circuit began, and initially returned negative tests. However on Friday, after day two of the test was completed, McLaren revealed the Australian has now returned a positive PCR test. The team say he is continuing to isolate in accordance with local regulations. They added: "Under these regulations, Daniel will be released in time for next weekend's Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Daniel is already beginning to feel better, and we wish him well for a quick recovery." ALSO READ: India's Jhulan Goswami creates history, becomes highest wicket-taker in Women's World Cup Ricciardo said on social media: "Better this week than next... Unfortunate to miss the test, but I'm starting to feel better. I'll stay isolated and just focus on next weekend. Big thanks to Lando & McLaren for the heavy lifting, I owe you some beers (milk for Lando). Appreciate the well wishes from everyone as well." Norris will drive all day on Saturday - the final day of the test - having fulfilled driving duties on the opening two days, where McLaren struggled with brake issues and managed just over 100 laps in total.

Formula One: McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of race in Bahrain

Formula One should award points for qualifying if circumstances prevent a meaningful race from going ahead, as was the case in Belgium last weekend, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said on Friday. 
 
Half-points were awarded at a wet Spa on Sunday after drivers completed a couple of laps behind the safety car with no overtaking, the podium places effectively a reward for Saturday`s qualifying. 
 
The farce has led to calls for a review of the regulations that allow half-points to be awarded after two laps have been completed. 
 
"On the points side, there is definitely something that should be learned from what happened last weekend," Seidl told reporters at Zandvoort, ahead of the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years. 
 
He said race director Michael Masi had already asked teams to provide feedback. 
 
"One idea is simply to make crystal clear and straightforward that if a race can’t happen... that you then award or distribute points based on qualifying result, maybe half points. 
 
"I think that needs to be discussed in detail, I would be fine with that and it would also avoid this discussion that we had of `were the laps only done because of getting a classification or not`," added the German. 
 
"From my point of view, rewarding points for a qualifying result, if the race doesn’t happen, is something I could imagine is introduced. It would be also fair because that`s the last point during a weekend where you had a fair competition between all competitors." 
 
Seidl said that would be the same as qualifying not happening and the grid being established by final practice times, and easy for everyone to understand. 
 
FIA President Jean Todt said after Spa that the governing body would review how points are awarded. 
 
The findings will be on the agenda for the next F1 Commission meeting, which includes the teams and stakeholders, on Oct. 5. 
&nbsp;

Formula One should award points for qualifying if circumstances prevent a meaningful race from going ahead, as was the case in Belgium last weekend, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said on Friday.

Formula One should award points for qualifying if circumstances prevent a meaningful race from going ahead, as was the case in Belgium last weekend, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said on Friday. Half-points were awarded at a wet Spa on Sunday after drivers completed a couple of laps behind the safety car with no overtaking, the podium places effectively a reward for Saturday`s qualifying. The farce has led to calls for a review of the regulations that allow half-points to be awarded after two laps have been completed. "On the points side, there is definitely something that should be learned from what happened last weekend," Seidl told reporters at Zandvoort, ahead of the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years. He said race director Michael Masi had already asked teams to provide feedback. "One idea is simply to make crystal clear and straightforward that if a race can’t happen... that you then award or distribute points based on qualifying result, maybe half points. "I think that needs to be discussed in detail, I would be fine with that and it would also avoid this discussion that we had of `were the laps only done because of getting a classification or not`," added the German. "From my point of view, rewarding points for a qualifying result, if the race doesn’t happen, is something I could imagine is introduced. It would be also fair because that`s the last point during a weekend where you had a fair competition between all competitors." Seidl said that would be the same as qualifying not happening and the grid being established by final practice times, and easy for everyone to understand. FIA President Jean Todt said after Spa that the governing body would review how points are awarded. The findings will be on the agenda for the next F1 Commission meeting, which includes the teams and stakeholders, on Oct. 5.

Formula One: McLaren boss would support points for qualifying if no race

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

Norris, aged 21, is currently in Dubai on holiday ahead of their planned training camp. He took a test for the virus on Monday after recognising loss of taste and smell, which is one of the symptoms for COVID-19.

Norris has informed his team and everyone he had been in touch with recently about the result of his coronavirus test.

McLaren confirmed the development as they released a statement: "McLaren can confirm that Lando Norris tested positive for covid-199 yesterday in Dubai, where he is currently on holiday ahead of a planned training camp. After recognising a loss of taste and smell, he was tested immediately and informed the team.&nbsp;

"In line with local regulation, he is now self-isolating at his hotel for 14 days. He is currently feeling well and reports no other symptoms."

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Even Norris took to social media platforms to confirm the development as he said that he has no other symptoms other than loss of taste and smell.

"Hi everyone, hope you are keeping well. Yesterday I lost my sense of taste and smell so immediately self isolated and took a test. It's come back as positive, so I've told everyone that I've been in contact with and will be self isolating for the next 14 days. I feel alright and have no other symptoms but I just wanted to let you all know. Take Care," Norris tweeted.

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— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) <a href="https://twitter.com/LandoNorris/status/1346458552769146880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Norris is set to be partnered by ex-Renault and Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming 2021 season. 
&nbsp;

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus.

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Norris, aged 21, is currently in Dubai on holiday ahead of their planned training camp. He took a test for the virus on Monday after recognising loss of taste and smell, which is one of the symptoms for COVID-19. Norris has informed his team and everyone he had been in touch with recently about the result of his coronavirus test. McLaren confirmed the development as they released a statement: "McLaren can confirm that Lando Norris tested positive for covid-199 yesterday in Dubai, where he is currently on holiday ahead of a planned training camp. After recognising a loss of taste and smell, he was tested immediately and informed the team. "In line with local regulation, he is now self-isolating at his hotel for 14 days. He is currently feeling well and reports no other symptoms." ALSO READ: Hamilton contract top of the agenda now F1 season is done pic.twitter.com/s5fypbYNjx — McLaren (@McLarenF1) January 5, 2021 × Even Norris took to social media platforms to confirm the development as he said that he has no other symptoms other than loss of taste and smell. "Hi everyone, hope you are keeping well. Yesterday I lost my sense of taste and smell so immediately self isolated and took a test. It's come back as positive, so I've told everyone that I've been in contact with and will be self isolating for the next 14 days. I feel alright and have no other symptoms but I just wanted to let you all know. Take Care," Norris tweeted. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 pic.twitter.com/PG46RCvz3j — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) January 5, 2021 × Meanwhile, Norris is set to be partnered by ex-Renault and Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming 2021 season.

Formula One: McLaren's Lando Norris tests positive for COVID-19

Former champions Williams joined McLaren on Wednesday in dropping plans to appeal a stewards decision against Formula One rivals Racing Point.

The matter will still go to the governing FIA’s International Court of Appeal after Ferrari and Renault confirmed their intention to take the matter forward.

“After careful consideration, Williams have elected not to proceed with the formal appeal,” the Mercedes-powered team said in a statement.

“We believe the FIA’s decision to seek the prohibition of extensive car copying for 2021 onwards addresses our most fundamental concern and reasserts the role and responsibility of a constructor within the sport.”

McLaren, who will switch from Renault to Mercedes engines next season, said on Tuesday they had dropped plans to appeal.

Racing Point’s car is a visual copy of last year’s Mercedes, who provide their engines and gearbox, and the argument is about what it means to be a constructor and how much of the car has to be designed in-house.

Racing Point were fined 400,000 euros ($469,880.00) and docked 15 constructors’ championship points after Renault protested the brake ducts on the car. The team are allowed to continue racing with it, however.($1 = 0.8513 euros)

Former champions Williams joined McLaren on Wednesday in dropping plans to appeal a stewards decision against Formula One rivals Racing Point. The matter will still go to the governing FIA’s International Court of Appeal after Ferrari and Renault confirmed their intention to take the matter forward.

Former champions Williams joined McLaren on Wednesday in dropping plans to appeal a stewards decision against Formula One rivals Racing Point. The matter will still go to the governing FIA’s International Court of Appeal after Ferrari and Renault confirmed their intention to take the matter forward. “After careful consideration, Williams have elected not to proceed with the formal appeal,” the Mercedes-powered team said in a statement. “We believe the FIA’s decision to seek the prohibition of extensive car copying for 2021 onwards addresses our most fundamental concern and reasserts the role and responsibility of a constructor within the sport.” McLaren, who will switch from Renault to Mercedes engines next season, said on Tuesday they had dropped plans to appeal. Racing Point’s car is a visual copy of last year’s Mercedes, who provide their engines and gearbox, and the argument is about what it means to be a constructor and how much of the car has to be designed in-house. Racing Point were fined 400,000 euros ($469,880.00) and docked 15 constructors’ championship points after Renault protested the brake ducts on the car. The team are allowed to continue racing with it, however.($1 = 0.8513 euros)

Motor racing: Williams follow McLaren in dropping Racing Point appeal

McLaren boss Zak Brown said Sunday that the coronavirus pandemic has plunged Formula One into "a very fragile state", warning that as many as four teams could even be driven out of business.

The 2020 world championship has been unable to start with eight races of a scheduled 22 already either scrapped or postponed.

"This is potentially devastating to teams, and if (it is devastating) to enough teams then it's very threatening to F1 as a whole," Brown told the BBC on the eve of a meeting planned to discuss cost-cutting in the sport.

Brown insisted that all the teams have agreed to lower the 2021 budget cap to $150m (138.7 million euros) down from $175 million.

However, he said the ceiling needs to be reduced further to counter the financial fall-out from the virus-hit season.

"Could I see -- through what is going on right now in the world if we don't tackle this situation head on very aggressively -- two teams disappearing? Yeah," said Brown.

"In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn't handled the right way.

"And then, given how long it takes to ramp up an F1 team, and given the economic and health crisis we are in right now, to think there would be people lined up to take over those teams like there has historically been... I don't think the timing could be worse from that standpoint.

"So I think F1 is in a very fragile state at the moment." 
&nbsp;

McLaren boss Zak Brown said Sunday that the coronavirus pandemic has plunged Formula One into "a very fragile state", warning that as many as four teams could even be driven out of business.

McLaren boss Zak Brown said Sunday that the coronavirus pandemic has plunged Formula One into "a very fragile state", warning that as many as four teams could even be driven out of business. The 2020 world championship has been unable to start with eight races of a scheduled 22 already either scrapped or postponed. "This is potentially devastating to teams, and if (it is devastating) to enough teams then it's very threatening to F1 as a whole," Brown told the BBC on the eve of a meeting planned to discuss cost-cutting in the sport. Brown insisted that all the teams have agreed to lower the 2021 budget cap to $150m (138.7 million euros) down from $175 million. However, he said the ceiling needs to be reduced further to counter the financial fall-out from the virus-hit season. "Could I see -- through what is going on right now in the world if we don't tackle this situation head on very aggressively -- two teams disappearing? Yeah," said Brown. "In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn't handled the right way. "And then, given how long it takes to ramp up an F1 team, and given the economic and health crisis we are in right now, to think there would be people lined up to take over those teams like there has historically been... I don't think the timing could be worse from that standpoint. "So I think F1 is in a very fragile state at the moment."

Formula One in 'very fragile state', warns McLaren boss Brown

Three Formula One team staff members have been isolated at the Australian Grand Prix while tests are conducted for the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday, casting a shadow over the opening race of the year.

Two were from the Haas F1 team and one from McLaren.

"Two personnel were showing some symptoms so they got themselves checked out and have put themselves into self-isolation, as they should, while they await results," a Haas official told AFP.

A McLaren official added: "We can confirm that one team member has self-isolated in the hotel as a precaution, in line with our policy, after showing symptoms similar to coronavirus.

"We expect to receive the results overnight. The team is operating as per our normal schedule."

They were tested at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne as the teams prepare for the race on Sunday. It is not clear what it might mean for the grand prix if the results are positive.

Victorian state Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said it was only a matter of time before large sporting and cultural events were cancelled, but that that stage had not been reached yet.

Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-gp-hamilton-secures-pole-vettel-second-13784/amp"> Australian GP: Hamilton secures pole, Vettel second</a>

Earlier this week, Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott ruled out the race following the lead of Bahrain by barring spectators, with hundreds of thousands expected over the weekend.

The Chinese Grand Prix is the only race to be postponed so far, although the first three stops on the MotoGP calendar, in Qatar, Thailand and the United States, have been either delayed or cancelled.

Selfie ban:

All Formula One teams are in Australia, including powerhouse Ferrari and AlphaTauri from their bases in Italy, which is now in lockdown to halt the spread of the disease.

Australia banned travel from Italy Wednesday and opened a US$1.6 billion healthcare war chest in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, as locally detected infections hit 124. Three people have died. Victoria state, where the race is being held, has 21 infections.

Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-pole-at-australian-grand-prix-203692">Lewis Hamilton takes pole at Australian Grand Prix</a>

With concerns growing, race chiefs said drivers would not take part in autograph sessions or pose for selfies, while Renault's Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon pulled out of scheduled press conference Wednesday.

"Our drivers were supposed to be with us for this event but due to the situation we've excused them for the occasion. I hope you understand why we are taking such measures," team principal Cyril Abiteboul said.

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Over the weekend, Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation, said it was establishing what it called a "crisis cell" to meet every two days to monitor the rapidly increasing global threat posed by the virus.

"The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming competitions and take any action required to help protect the global motor sport community and the wider public, including the postponement of competitions where necessary,"

Three Formula One team staff members have been isolated at the Australian Grand Prix while tests are conducted for the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday, casting a shadow over the opening race of the year.

Three Formula One team staff members have been isolated at the Australian Grand Prix while tests are conducted for the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday, casting a shadow over the opening race of the year. Two were from the Haas F1 team and one from McLaren. "Two personnel were showing some symptoms so they got themselves checked out and have put themselves into self-isolation, as they should, while they await results," a Haas official told AFP. A McLaren official added: "We can confirm that one team member has self-isolated in the hotel as a precaution, in line with our policy, after showing symptoms similar to coronavirus. "We expect to receive the results overnight. The team is operating as per our normal schedule." They were tested at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne as the teams prepare for the race on Sunday. It is not clear what it might mean for the grand prix if the results are positive. Victorian state Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said it was only a matter of time before large sporting and cultural events were cancelled, but that that stage had not been reached yet. Read More: Australian GP: Hamilton secures pole, Vettel second Earlier this week, Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott ruled out the race following the lead of Bahrain by barring spectators, with hundreds of thousands expected over the weekend. The Chinese Grand Prix is the only race to be postponed so far, although the first three stops on the MotoGP calendar, in Qatar, Thailand and the United States, have been either delayed or cancelled. Selfie ban: All Formula One teams are in Australia, including powerhouse Ferrari and AlphaTauri from their bases in Italy, which is now in lockdown to halt the spread of the disease. Australia banned travel from Italy Wednesday and opened a US$1.6 billion healthcare war chest in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, as locally detected infections hit 124. Three people have died. Victoria state, where the race is being held, has 21 infections. Read More: Lewis Hamilton takes pole at Australian Grand Prix With concerns growing, race chiefs said drivers would not take part in autograph sessions or pose for selfies, while Renault's Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon pulled out of scheduled press conference Wednesday. "Our drivers were supposed to be with us for this event but due to the situation we've excused them for the occasion. I hope you understand why we are taking such measures," team principal Cyril Abiteboul said. Also Read: Motor racing: Verstappen wins Brazil GP thriller as Ferraris collide Over the weekend, Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation, said it was establishing what it called a "crisis cell" to meet every two days to monitor the rapidly increasing global threat posed by the virus. "The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming competitions and take any action required to help protect the global motor sport community and the wider public, including the postponement of competitions where necessary,"

Formula One team staff tested for virus at Australian GP

British carmaker McLaren is seeking alternatives to existing Chinese suppliers to handle the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, which has already halted production at other manufacturing sites around the world.

UK carmakers look to Chinese supply alternatives to handle virus impact

Fernando Alonso will race for Arrow McLaren SP at this year's Indianapolis 500 where the Spaniard will try to complete motor sport's 'Triple Crown' with a victory, the team announced on Tuesday.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-hot-wheels-that-will-mesmerise-fans-on-tracks-of-formula-one-2020-281517">New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year</a>&nbsp;

Alonso is hoping to become only the second driver after the late Briton Graham Hill to complete the so-called 'Triple Crown of Motorsport', having already secured wins at the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans 24 Hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

"I am a racer and the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world. I love the incredible fans who make it so special for all of us drivers and make me want to come back," Alonso, 38, said in a news release.

"I have maximum respect for this race and everyone who competes in it and all I want to do is race against them and give my best, as always."

Alonso made his debut at the famous oval circuit in 2017 when he led for 27 laps but finished a frustrating 24th after suffering a blown engine with 21 laps to go.

The double Formula One champion did not return for the 2018 edition and last year failed to qualify.

At Indianapolis, he will guide his new team's two young full-time drivers, American Oliver Askew and Mexico's Pato O'Ward.

"It was important for me to explore my options for this race but Arrow McLaren SP has always been at the top," said Alonso.

"I have a special relationship with McLaren; we've been through a lot together and that creates a bond, a loyalty that is strong."

Fernando Alonso will race for Arrow McLaren SP at this year's Indianapolis 500 where the Spaniard will try to complete motor sport's 'Triple Crown' with a victory, the team announced on Tuesday.

Fernando Alonso will race for Arrow McLaren SP at this year's Indianapolis 500 where the Spaniard will try to complete motor sport's 'Triple Crown' with a victory, the team announced on Tuesday. Also see: New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year Alonso is hoping to become only the second driver after the late Briton Graham Hill to complete the so-called 'Triple Crown of Motorsport', having already secured wins at the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans 24 Hours. Also read: Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus "I am a racer and the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world. I love the incredible fans who make it so special for all of us drivers and make me want to come back," Alonso, 38, said in a news release. "I have maximum respect for this race and everyone who competes in it and all I want to do is race against them and give my best, as always." Alonso made his debut at the famous oval circuit in 2017 when he led for 27 laps but finished a frustrating 24th after suffering a blown engine with 21 laps to go. The double Formula One champion did not return for the 2018 edition and last year failed to qualify. At Indianapolis, he will guide his new team's two young full-time drivers, American Oliver Askew and Mexico's Pato O'Ward. "It was important for me to explore my options for this race but Arrow McLaren SP has always been at the top," said Alonso. "I have a special relationship with McLaren; we've been through a lot together and that creates a bond, a loyalty that is strong."

Spanish racing driver Alonso joins Arrow McLaren for Indianapolis 500

New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year

McLaren on Friday said they would drop Honda engines in favour of Renault at the end of this season, ending a troubled partnership with the Japanese manufacturer as they bid to return to the top of&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One.

The celebrated British <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/singapore-secures-f1-future-until-2021-20260" target="_blank">marque announced a three-year deal covering 2018, 2019 and 2020 with France&#39;s Renault</a>, who simultaneously unveiled a split with Toro Rosso - who will now be powered by Honda.

The related moves, which had been widely flagged, could ultimately herald a shake-up in the pecking order of&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One, which is currently dominated by Mercedes and Ferrari.

Honda&#39;s exit is likely to convince two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who has repeatedly threatened to quit over the misfiring Honda engines, to stay at McLaren next year.

As part of the deal, Toro Rosso loaned highly rated Spaniard Carlos Sainz to Renault for 2018, where he will partner Nico Hulkenberg -- with Britain&#39;s Jolyon Palmer elbowed out.

&quot;Today&#39;s announcement gives us the stability we need to move ahead with our chassis and technical programme for 2018 without any further hesitation,&quot; said McLaren executive director Zak Brown.

Britain&#39;s most successful&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;team have failed to win a race since 2012 and are a long way from challenging Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull.

The vexed collaboration with Honda came to a head this month in Italy as Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne both collected grid penalties and failed to finish.

Vandoorne was penalised before the race after being fitted with a brand-new engine -- and still suffered a power failure.

Honda has been a part of&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;as a constructor and engine supplier -- on and off -- since 1964, but they have struggled with current regulations which require a hybrid, part-electric power unit.

Woeful sequence

There was no word from Renault or Red Bull on their future together, following reports that the French manufacturer will walk away from their partnership after 2018.

Red Bull and Renault have also been at odds over the complex hybrid technology, whose introduction in 2014 coincided with the end of their four-year hold on the drivers&#39; and constructors&#39; world championships.

Honda&#39;s best finish in the constructors&#39; standings was fourth, in 1967 and 2006, but they powered McLaren and Williams to a string of titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Alain Prost and the late Ayrton Senna dominated&nbsp;F1.

The Japanese car-making giant pulled its team out of the sport in 2008 to cut costs to combat the global economic crisis before being saved by a management buy-out led by team principal Ross Brawn.

Since Honda teamed up with McLaren in 2015, the best finish by one of their drivers has been sixth, a woeful sequence that has dealt a serious blow to their reputation.

They will now try their luck with Toro Rosso, Red Bull&#39;s junior partner who admitted the timing of the announcement, late in the season, was far from ideal.

&quot;There are some challenges to face given the time of year but Toro Rosso has faced many difficult tasks with timing in the past and has the flexibility to deal with it,&quot; said Toro Rosso&#39;s technical director James Key.

McLaren on Friday said they would drop Honda engines in favour of Renault at the end of this season

McLaren on Friday said they would drop Honda engines in favour of Renault at the end of this season, ending a troubled partnership with the Japanese manufacturer as they bid to return to the top of Formula One. The celebrated British marque announced a three-year deal covering 2018, 2019 and 2020 with France's Renault, who simultaneously unveiled a split with Toro Rosso - who will now be powered by Honda. The related moves, which had been widely flagged, could ultimately herald a shake-up in the pecking order of Formula One, which is currently dominated by Mercedes and Ferrari. Honda's exit is likely to convince two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who has repeatedly threatened to quit over the misfiring Honda engines, to stay at McLaren next year. As part of the deal, Toro Rosso loaned highly rated Spaniard Carlos Sainz to Renault for 2018, where he will partner Nico Hulkenberg -- with Britain's Jolyon Palmer elbowed out. "Today's announcement gives us the stability we need to move ahead with our chassis and technical programme for 2018 without any further hesitation," said McLaren executive director Zak Brown. Britain's most successful Formula One team have failed to win a race since 2012 and are a long way from challenging Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull. The vexed collaboration with Honda came to a head this month in Italy as Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne both collected grid penalties and failed to finish. Vandoorne was penalised before the race after being fitted with a brand-new engine -- and still suffered a power failure. Honda has been a part of Formula One as a constructor and engine supplier -- on and off -- since 1964, but they have struggled with current regulations which require a hybrid, part-electric power unit. Woeful sequence There was no word from Renault or Red Bull on their future together, following reports that the French manufacturer will walk away from their partnership after 2018. Red Bull and Renault have also been at odds over the complex hybrid technology, whose introduction in 2014 coincided with the end of their four-year hold on the drivers' and constructors' world championships. Honda's best finish in the constructors' standings was fourth, in 1967 and 2006, but they powered McLaren and Williams to a string of titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Alain Prost and the late Ayrton Senna dominated F1. The Japanese car-making giant pulled its team out of the sport in 2008 to cut costs to combat the global economic crisis before being saved by a management buy-out led by team principal Ross Brawn. Since Honda teamed up with McLaren in 2015, the best finish by one of their drivers has been sixth, a woeful sequence that has dealt a serious blow to their reputation. They will now try their luck with Toro Rosso, Red Bull's junior partner who admitted the timing of the announcement, late in the season, was far from ideal. "There are some challenges to face given the time of year but Toro Rosso has faced many difficult tasks with timing in the past and has the flexibility to deal with it," said Toro Rosso's technical director James Key.

Formula One: McLaren dump misfiring Honda for Renault

Britain&#39;s Jenson Button will come out of retirement for &quot;one race only&quot; to replace Fernando Alonso in a McLaren at next month&#39;s Monaco Grand Prix, the Formula One team announced Friday.

Alonso, like Button a former Formula One world champion, has been allowed to miss the race to compete instead for British-based McLaren at the Indianapolis 500, with both showpiece races taking place on May 28.

&quot;Owing to Fernando Alonso&rsquo;s commitments with McLaren-Honda-Andretti over the weekend of the Indianapolis 500, which iconic race will take place on the same date (May 28th) as the Monaco Grand Prix, Jenson will take over Fernando&rsquo;s McLaren-Honda MCL32 for one race only: the equally iconic Monaco Grand Prix,&quot; said a team statement.

Button, who had regarded lsast year&#39;s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the last race of his career, will be one of McLaren&#39;s two drivers at Monaco, with Belgium&#39;s Stoffel Vandoorne in their other car.

The 37-year-old Button remains under contract with McLaren, having agreed a two-year ambassadorial role with the team, but has yet to drive competitively this season.

Button, however, won the Monaco Grand Prix, the most glamorous race in Formula One in 2009 -- the same year he took the world title with the now defunct Brawn team.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m thrilled to be making a one-off return to Formula One racing, and I couldn&#39;t think of a better place to make that return than my adopted home Grand Prix of Monaco,&quot; Button said.

&quot;I&#39;ve won the race before, in 2009, and it&#39;s one of my all-time favourite racetracks.

&quot;I realise we won&#39;t have a realistic chance of repeating my 2009 victory, but I think we&#39;ll have a opportunity to score world championship points, which will be very valuable to the team in terms of constructors&#39; rankings.&quot;

&#39;Supremely fit&#39;&nbsp;

Meanwhile Button, the last driver to win a race for McLaren in 2012, insisted it would not take him long to get used to the feeling of being in the cockpit of a Formula One car once again.

&quot;I&#39;ll drive the McLaren around Monaco in the simulator beforehand, and I reckon I&#39;ll be ready for the race after doing that,&quot; he said.

&quot;I&#39;m supremely fit, having done a lot of triathlon training recently, so I have no worries on that score. And it&#39;ll be nice to say &#39;hi&#39; to all my old Formula One mates, too, and hopefully to give the fans something to cheer about.&quot;

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier was pleased Button had accepted his offer of a one-off return in Monte Carlo.&nbsp;

&quot;I was truly delighted when Jenson accepted our suggestion that he race at Monaco instead of Fernando,&quot; Boullier said.

&quot;Jenson is a class act. He&#39;s a superb driver - fast, smooth and precise - and he won&#39;t have lost any of his competitive edge over the past few months...He&#39;ll do a great job for us, I&#39;m sure of that.&quot;

When McLaren announced on Wednesday that 2005 and 2006 world champion Alonso would miss Monaco to race in Indianapolis, the Spaniard said it was because he wanted to emulate Graham Hill by becoming only the second driver after the late Briton to win the &#39;Triple Crown&#39; of the Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and he Le Mans 24 hour sportscar race.

But the Indy 500 may have looked even more tempting given McLaren are currently last in the Formula One constructors&#39; world championship after two races without a point.

McLaren, the second most successful team in Formula One history after Ferrari, in terms of race wins, have struggled lately, with Japanese engine-supplier Honda under fire for the team&#39;s poor results.

Alonso, 35, is now in the final year of a three-season contract with McLaren.

He joined in the hope of winning a third world title, but his best results with McLaren have been a trio of fifth-place finishes.

The Formula One season continues with Sunday&#39;s Bahrain Grand Prix.

(AFP)

Former world champion Jenson Button will come out of retirement to deputise for Alonso, who will miss the race to take part in Indy 500

Britain's Jenson Button will come out of retirement for "one race only" to replace Fernando Alonso in a McLaren at next month's Monaco Grand Prix, the Formula One team announced Friday. Alonso, like Button a former Formula One world champion, has been allowed to miss the race to compete instead for British-based McLaren at the Indianapolis 500, with both showpiece races taking place on May 28. "Owing to Fernando Alonso’s commitments with McLaren-Honda-Andretti over the weekend of the Indianapolis 500, which iconic race will take place on the same date (May 28th) as the Monaco Grand Prix, Jenson will take over Fernando’s McLaren-Honda MCL32 for one race only: the equally iconic Monaco Grand Prix," said a team statement. Button, who had regarded lsast year's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the last race of his career, will be one of McLaren's two drivers at Monaco, with Belgium's Stoffel Vandoorne in their other car. The 37-year-old Button remains under contract with McLaren, having agreed a two-year ambassadorial role with the team, but has yet to drive competitively this season. Button, however, won the Monaco Grand Prix, the most glamorous race in Formula One in 2009 -- the same year he took the world title with the now defunct Brawn team. "I'm thrilled to be making a one-off return to Formula One racing, and I couldn't think of a better place to make that return than my adopted home Grand Prix of Monaco," Button said. "I've won the race before, in 2009, and it's one of my all-time favourite racetracks. "I realise we won't have a realistic chance of repeating my 2009 victory, but I think we'll have a opportunity to score world championship points, which will be very valuable to the team in terms of constructors' rankings." 'Supremely fit' Meanwhile Button, the last driver to win a race for McLaren in 2012, insisted it would not take him long to get used to the feeling of being in the cockpit of a Formula One car once again. "I'll drive the McLaren around Monaco in the simulator beforehand, and I reckon I'll be ready for the race after doing that," he said. "I'm supremely fit, having done a lot of triathlon training recently, so I have no worries on that score. And it'll be nice to say 'hi' to all my old Formula One mates, too, and hopefully to give the fans something to cheer about." McLaren racing director Eric Boullier was pleased Button had accepted his offer of a one-off return in Monte Carlo. "I was truly delighted when Jenson accepted our suggestion that he race at Monaco instead of Fernando," Boullier said. "Jenson is a class act. He's a superb driver - fast, smooth and precise - and he won't have lost any of his competitive edge over the past few months...He'll do a great job for us, I'm sure of that." When McLaren announced on Wednesday that 2005 and 2006 world champion Alonso would miss Monaco to race in Indianapolis, the Spaniard said it was because he wanted to emulate Graham Hill by becoming only the second driver after the late Briton to win the 'Triple Crown' of the Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and he Le Mans 24 hour sportscar race. But the Indy 500 may have looked even more tempting given McLaren are currently last in the Formula One constructors' world championship after two races without a point. McLaren, the second most successful team in Formula One history after Ferrari, in terms of race wins, have struggled lately, with Japanese engine-supplier Honda under fire for the team's poor results. Alonso, 35, is now in the final year of a three-season contract with McLaren. He joined in the hope of winning a third world title, but his best results with McLaren have been a trio of fifth-place finishes. The Formula One season continues with Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix. (AFP)

Button to race in Alonso's absence at Monaco Grand Prix: McLaren-Honda

Former Ferrari driver Chris Amon, often described as one of the best in Formula One never to have won a race, has died at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer, family of the New Zealand motorsport great said today. 
 
Amon was part of a well-known trio of New Zealand drivers competing in Formula One in the 1960s and early 70s alongside Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, who both enjoyed more successful careers in the sport&#39;s premier series. 
 
Bad luck was often cited as the key reason for his lack of Formula One victories, with former world champion Mario Andretti once famously saying: &quot;If he became an undertaker, people would stop dying.&quot; 
 
Like McLaren, with whom he won the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race in a Ford GT40 50 years ago, he founded his own team but Chris Amon Racing failed to achieve much success. 
 
&quot;Chris battled cancer in recent years but retained not only a close interest in Formula One and his very wide range of favourite topics, but also his wonderful sense of humour complete with infectious chuckle,&quot; Amon&#39;s family said in a statement. 
 
McLaren chairman Ron Dennis praised Amon as he paid tribute to the driver. 
 
&quot;It was with profound sadness that I heard the news this morning that Chris Amon had passed away,&quot; Dennis said in a statement. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;He nearly won a fair few, but always it seemed that his luck would run out before he saw the chequered flag,&quot; Dennis recalled, terming Amon as &quot;one of the fastest racing drivers&quot;. 
 
Williams also paid tribute to Amon who finished on the podium 11 times, also driving for March and Matra among 13 teams in a career that spanned 14 seasons. 
&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Chris Amon has died aged 73 
 
Read about the life of &#39;the finest driver never to win a GP&#39; &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/Ykm0pFizo3">https://t.co/Ykm0pFizo3</a> <a href="https://t.co/jOSLuewKLu">pic.twitter.com/jOSLuewKLu</a>
&mdash; Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/760762482881331204">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
 
(Reuters)

Amon was part of a well-known trio of New Zealand drivers competing in Formula One in the 1960s and early 70s

Former Ferrari driver Chris Amon, often described as one of the best in Formula One never to have won a race, has died at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer, family of the New Zealand motorsport great said today. Amon was part of a well-known trio of New Zealand drivers competing in Formula One in the 1960s and early 70s alongside Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, who both enjoyed more successful careers in the sport's premier series. Bad luck was often cited as the key reason for his lack of Formula One victories, with former world champion Mario Andretti once famously saying: "If he became an undertaker, people would stop dying." Like McLaren, with whom he won the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race in a Ford GT40 50 years ago, he founded his own team but Chris Amon Racing failed to achieve much success. "Chris battled cancer in recent years but retained not only a close interest in Formula One and his very wide range of favourite topics, but also his wonderful sense of humour complete with infectious chuckle," Amon's family said in a statement. McLaren chairman Ron Dennis praised Amon as he paid tribute to the driver. "It was with profound sadness that I heard the news this morning that Chris Amon had passed away," Dennis said in a statement. "He nearly won a fair few, but always it seemed that his luck would run out before he saw the chequered flag," Dennis recalled, terming Amon as "one of the fastest racing drivers". Williams also paid tribute to Amon who finished on the podium 11 times, also driving for March and Matra among 13 teams in a career that spanned 14 seasons. Chris Amon has died aged 73 Read about the life of 'the finest driver never to win a GP' >> https://t.co/Ykm0pFizo3 pic.twitter.com/jOSLuewKLu — Formula 1 (@F1) August 3, 2016 (Reuters)

New Zealand motor racing great Chris Amon dies at 73

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