Perez to miss the British Grand Prix after testing positive for coronavirus

BWT Racing Point team's Mexican driver Sergio Perez will miss this weekend's British Grand Prix after he tested positive for the novel Covid-19 coronavirus.

The Mexican driver missed Thursday's press conference after his first test for the coronavirus delivered unconvincing results. Perez was tested for a second time and it was confirmed he had registered positive for the virus.

"Perez has entered self-quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the relevant public health authorities, and will continue to follow the procedure mandated by those authorities," read a statement issued by Formula 1 and the FIA.

"With assistance of the local organiser of the British Grand Prix, local health authorities and the FIA COVID-19 delegate, a full track and trace initiative has been undertaken and all close contacts have been quarantined. The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend’s event."

The Guadalajara-born driver is believed to be in good health conditions and in good spirits. Racing Point intends to run two cars at this weekend's British Grand Prix, with his replacement to be announced in due course.

"The entire team wishes Sergio well and looks forward to welcoming him back into the cockpit of the RP20 soon. Our intention is to race two cars on Sunday. We will communicate the next steps for our British Grand Prix weekend in due course," read Racing Point statement.