![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2.43370469.jpg\")
Sergio Perez has tested positive for coronavirus on the eve of the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\nSergio Perez has tested positive for coronavirus on the eve of the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
The Mexican (30) who drives for the Silverstone-based Racing Point team, is now in quarantine and has been ruled out of Sunday\u2019s race.<\/p>\n
Perez, who earlier returned an inconclusive test result, becomes the first Formula One driver to test positive for the virus.<\/p>\n
A small number of Perez\u2019s team have also been placed into isolation, with F1 insisting this weekend\u2019s race will go ahead as scheduled.<\/p>\n
An FIA statement read: \u201cFollowing today\u2019s announcement that Sergio Perez produced an inconclusive test result for Covid-19 at the Silverstone Circuit, the FIA and Formula One can now confirm that the result of his re-test is positive.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerez 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith assistance of the local organizer 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe procedures have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend\u2019s event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perez\u2019s Racing Point team described the driver as being \u201cphysically well and in good spirits\u201d.<\/p>\n
They have also stated their intention to run both cars with Mercedes reserve drivers\u2019 Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez the frontrunners to replace Perez and partner Lance Stroll.<\/p>\n
All members of the sport\u2019s travelling bubble have to be tested for the virus every five days.<\/p>\n
The race at Silverstone on Sunday is the fourth round in five weeks, with another grand prix due to be held at the Northamptonshire circuit next weekend.<\/p>\n
Up until Perez\u2019s result, just two personnel from the F1 bubble had returned positive samples following nearly 15,000 tests.<\/p>\n
The opening race of the season in Australia in March was cancelled after a McLaren mechanic contracted coronavirus before making a full recovery.<\/p>\n