Perez back for Spanish GP after negative Covid test

Sergio Perez will be back driving this weekend after a negative Covid-19 test ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Racing Point had called on Nico Hülkenberg to fill the seat left by the Mexican after he tested positive for the virus ahead of the British Grand Prix two weeks ago.

Perez was kept away from the paddock in isolation for an initial seven-day period before another positive test ahead of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix ruled him out of that event also.

Under UK guidelines, Perez was able to travel and leave the country to make the trip to Barcelona for this weekend’s race, where he underwent another test in line with FIA and Formula 1 protocols.

CONFIRMED: We're pleased to share the news that @SChecoPerez has tested negative for COVID-19 💪

The @fia have confirmed that Checo can return to the @F1 paddock and he will compete for the team in this weekend’s #SpanishGP 🙌 pic.twitter.com/adYfWW5jWU

— BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) August 13, 2020

After saying midweek that he had only been experiencing mild symptoms during his quarantine period, the test results mean Hulkenberg’s brief F1 2020 cameo has come to an end.

Speaking ahead of his return this weekend, Perez said that he was excited to get back into the RP20, which has proven to be controversially competitive so far this season.

“I’ve definitely missed racing and it was hard to watch from the outside. I can’t wait to get on track, hopefully this weekend.

“I’m very lucky that I’ve only had mild symptoms, so I’ve been able to keep training and make sure that I’m ready to jump back behind the wheel of the car. I’m very glad I had my tablet to keep me entertained too, though!”