Tost expecting 'strange atmosphere' at first race in Austria

Scuderia AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost can't wait to go racing next month, but the Austrian is expecting the Red Bull Ring to bask in a "strange atmosphere" when F1 roars back into action.

Formula 1 confirmed on Tuesday a schedule of eight European races that will hopefully constitute the first half of the 2020 season.

The sport will start its campaign with a pair of races at Red Bull's home track, maiden events for 2020 for which Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz worked tirelessly to bring to life.

Mateschitz: Austrian GP will send 'strong sign of feasibility to the world'

"It’s fantastic to go racing again, as it will be the first race for our new Scuderia AlphaTauri colours," reacted Tost.

"We all are more than excited that it takes place at the Red Bull Ring in this wonderful part of Austria.

"A big THANK YOU to Dietrich Mateschitz and Red Bull for hosting Formula 1 in Spielberg, to enable Formula 1 to start the season, and to get back to work.

"It took a lot of time and effort to receive the approval from the Government. This is also the result of the negotiations Dr. Marko started with the authorities’ several weeks ago."

The Formula 1 paddock will be governed by stringent safety and hygiene measures to limit any contagion or propagation risks linked to the coronavirus.

In a first for Formula 1, drivers will be racing behind closed gates, with no fans to cheer them on.

"Of course, the atmosphere will be strange and it is a shame that no spectators can attend, but this is an important first step on getting Formula 1 back to normal as soon as possible," added Tost.

"The standards imposed are very rigorous and we have already employed them ourselves in our facilities in Faenza and Bicester, which led to essential staff being able to return to work on 1st June to prepare for the season.

"It is vital from a business point of view and also as a sign that life is getting back to normal."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.