Racing Point says it is “99 per cent sure” that Sergio Perez will be cleared to return at next weekend’s Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix.
Perez tested positive for Covid-19 during the build-up to the British Grand Prix and while he was cleared by Public Health England to return, having completed a self-isolation period, he tested negative again last Thursday.
After Sunday’s second event at Silverstone Formula 1 will travel to Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the sixth round of the campaign next weekend.
“Checo’s quarantine is over and he’s out of quarantine,” said Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer.
“He tested on Friday and it seems like the amount of virus in his system is coming down significantly from test to test.
“He tested again on Saturday and we should get that result on Sunday, and I anticipate either by the time we get that result or if we get a result early next week he will be in the negative range.
“I think by the time we get back to Barcelona he will be back in the car.
“I’m trying to guess the future so if that doesn’t happen then don’t crucify me as I can’t predict the future!
“But looking at the rate of the virus leaving his system if it is linear he should be okay by the time we get to Barcelona.”
Nico Hulkenberg has substituted for Perez at Silverstone – and will start Sunday’s race from third on the grid – and will be on standby again.
“If he wasn’t in the car it would be Nico,” Szafnauer confirmed.
“But I was 99 per cent sure that Nico would be in the car for both Silverstones and now I’m 99 per cent sure that Checo will be in the car for Spain.”
