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

Don’t expect surprises: FIA’s Tombazis cools hype over F1 changes

As Formula 1 circus prepares to resume its season in Miami next week, FIA single-seater…

54 minutes ago

Brown sees long-term McLaren future for Lambiase

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown has made it clear that the arrival of GianPiero Lambiase…

2 hours ago

FIA shakes up Miami GP schedule with extended practice session

The FIA has confirmed a significant schedule change ahead of the upcoming Miami Grand Prix,…

4 hours ago

Vettel’s stark warning to Formula 1: ‘Don’t lose the DNA’

As Formula 1 painstakingly deals with its controversial 2026 regulation overhaul, four-time world champion Sebastian…

5 hours ago

Moments before tragedy struck for Moss

It was looking like just another Sunday drive for Stirling Moss at Goodwood on this…

6 hours ago

Norris, Piastri warn of ‘big loss’ if Verstappen walks away

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have weighed in on the prospect of Max Verstappen leaving…

8 hours ago