Two people tested positive at the Formula E Berlin showdown
The Formula E series has today confirmed that two people have been tested positive for the novel Covid-19 coronavirus ahead of the six-race Berlin showdown.
After a five-month hiatus, Formula E is set to return to racing on Wednesday, kicking off a sensational six-race showdown at Germany’s capital, Berlin. The exciting championship will complete six E-Prix within just nine days, bringing its sixth season to an end after the coronavirus-induced pause.
To protect the ABB FIA Formula E Championship community, as the all-electric race series restarts this week ahead of its six-race season six finale in Berlin, the championship has created a bubble which no one can enter without a negative PCR test for COVID-19.
Moreover, the championship has significantly reduced the number of people allowed to enter the paddock at Berlin. Every member of this reduced community must observe social distancing and wear a face mask.
In an announcement released on Tuesday, Formula E has confirmed that 1,421 people tested received negative results as of Monday and two received positive results.
One of the people who tested positive for the coronavirus is Mahindra Racing CEO and team principal Dilbagh Gill.
Due to the condensed nature of the final six rounds of Formula E that will take place within nine days, Gill will miss the entire final stretch of the championship. The Indian spent the last two weeks in the United Kingdom before flying to Berlin from London and will be now required to isolate between ten and 14 days.
Gill expects no complications for his Formula E team despite his absence at the intense showdown for the fully-electric series. He said: We have a strong management team. Toni Cuquerella was our chief engineer but will step into team principal duties. He and David Clarke, they will basically share the responsibilities.
“As you know on a race day it’s mostly them who take care of running the car. So, we are in pretty safe hands. But Toni will be stepping in officially as team principal when I’m away, and David Clarke remains as team manager and sporting director.”
