Today Mercedes returned to the track for the first time since pre-season testing with Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel of 2018’s W09.
Mercedes performed the test at Silverstone with the goal of getting acquainted with new coronavirus prevention procedures and to allow their drivers to get re-acquainted with extreme g-forces, before the 2020 season starts on July 5. Formula 1 rules don’t allow the teams to use newer cars outside of designated testing, so Mercedes had to use 2018’s title winning W09.
Mercedes’ test was the first time a Formula 1 team went on the track since the season was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. The team went through many altered procedures, including a full grid start. All members of the team were tested for COVID-19 infection and wore face masks, while race engineers who are in contact with the drivers wore a full face shield.
Testing will resume tomorrow with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel.
Here are some photos from the event.
And here are two videos released by Mercedes.
It's been a long three months… but we're finally BACK ON TRACK!!
??? #DrivenByEachOther pic.twitter.com/SWXS7aGcgF
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) June 9, 2020
Missed this… ❤ It's good to be back! pic.twitter.com/seM8KDIomf
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) June 9, 2020