Raikkonen tests positive for Covid – Kubica to race for Alfa!

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Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for Covid-19 after an onsite PCR test conducted at Zandvoort.

In accordance with Formula 1 and FIA protocols, the Alfa Romeo driver will take no further part in the Dutch Grand Prix weekend.

Furthermore, all contacts associated with Raikkonen have been declared to ensure no wider impact on the Dutch Grand Prix of the Finn's contamination.

"Following the latest round of testing conducted in advance of the #DutchGP, driver Kimi Räikkönen has tested positive for COVID-19," stated Alfa Romeo racing on Twitter.

"Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits. He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel. The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery."

The Swiss outfit added that it had "carried out an investigation for any close contacts and there is no further impact expected for the team for the remainder of this event."

©AlfaRomeo

Raikkonen, who announced his retirement from F1 at the end of this season, will be replaced by Alfa reserve driver Robert Kubica who has tested on multiple occasions with the team and taken part in three FP1 sessions this year.

However, the Polish driver's last Grand Prix start was in 2019 in Abu Dhabi with Williams, the final race of his comeback season.

Kubica will enjoy a 60-minute warm-up in FP3 before heading straight into qualifying this afternoon at Zandvoort.

Raikkonen's positive test should logically also sideline the Finn for next week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

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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.