F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Renault drivers log 250 laps in two-day test in Austria

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.

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.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Smedley calls Ferrari’s Miami upgrade ‘soul-destroying’

Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley has delivered a bleak assessment of the Italian outfit's Miami…

6 hours ago

Antonelli won’t ‘nuke’ Mercedes team in title fight with Russell - Palmer

With Mercedes suddenly finding itself at the sharp end of a championship fight again, questions…

8 hours ago

‘It’s time’: Schumacher delivers brutal Hamilton and Alonso verdict

Few figures in Formula 1 deliver uncomfortable opinions with quite as little hesitation as Ralf…

9 hours ago

Norris keeping a close eye on Verstappen’s Nürburgring challenge

Reigning F1 world champion Lando Norris will be among the most intrigued observers this weekend…

11 hours ago

The very genesis of Formula 1 on this day in 1950

It all started on May 13, 1950 at Silverstone Circuit, where Alfa Romeo's Giuseppe Farina…

12 hours ago

Hulkenberg tells F1 critics: ‘If you don’t like it, don’t watch it’

As Formula 1’s controversial new era continues to divide opinion, Nico Hulkenberg has delivered the…

13 hours ago