Esteban Ocon concluded Renault's two-day test at the Red Bull Ring on Wednesday, the French outfit logging 250 laps around the Spielberg track as it prepared for the start of the 2020 season.
Ocon took over from Daniel Ricciardo onboard the team's 2018 R.S.18, adding 145 laps to the Aussie's 115-lap tally as the team warmed up its crews and practiced its new safety and hygiene protocols that will be in force in two weeks at the double-header event.
"I’ve missed this so much, 145 laps done ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix feeling fresh, feeling ready, and more," wrote Ocon on his Instagram account.
Renault's test was frowned upon by Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko, who criticized the Red Bull Ring's management for renting the track to the French squad.
"Let's just say that it was a very generous gesture," said Marko.
Red Bull Racing was unable to conduct a two-day test of its own as its 2018 car was powered by a … Renault engine which is no longer supplied to the Milton Keynes ouitfit. Hence Marko's ire.
Renault was the second team after Mercedes to undertake a two-day test in preparation of the start of the 2020 campaign but using a 2018 car as required by the regulations.
Il est prêt (he was born prêt).
🔘 143 laps
🛣 614kmAnd of course, still:
🏎 R.S.18
📍 Red Bull Ring#RSspirit @OconEsteban pic.twitter.com/JoR6pCb5F8— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) June 17, 2020
On Wednesday, Racing Point enjoyed a filming day at Silverstone with its 2020 car, a run restricted by the rules to 100 km.
Scuderia AlphaTauri is expected to also exploit a filming day to warm up its 2020 contender at Imola.
Finally, Ferrari is scheduled to stretch its legs in Fiorano today, although it's unsure if the Scuderia will use its new-spec machine or its 2018 SF71H.
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