MOST F1 fans were unable to enjoy trackside action as the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2020 kicked off yesterday.
However, a select few lucky super fans got a special treat, when they received video calls from some of F1’s superstar drivers.
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon, Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon, Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, and AlphaTauri’s Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly, participated in virtual autograph sessions with some of their biggest supporters in Bahrain.
“We are going to miss seeing the fans at the race,” Mr Gasly told the GDN during an interview.
“There is a good community of motorsport fans in the Middle East and people who adore fast cars. And the tracks, both here and in Abu Dhabi, are absolutely stunning.
“And when we come here, we usually get to meet people who are quite interested and knowledgeable about the sport. Even though we will miss seeing them in person, I did get to spend some time when I stayed in Dubai for two months at the start of the Covid lockdown.”
This year, only frontline workers, first responders and their immediate families will be able to watch tomorrow’s race.
Due to FIA’s regulations to maximise social distancing, no fans will be able to interact with drivers or teams in person as the organisation, along with local authorities, steps up efforts to prevent the spread of the virus at the circuit.
Just prior to setting out for Bahrain, Red Bull Racing’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley tested positive for Covid-19 during routine tests and is missing out on the action in Bahrain.
“In accordance with official protocols, Jonathan will continue to isolate for the 10-day period and not attend the Bahrain GP,” said Red Bull in a statement.
Mr Wheatley’s result comes at the heels of another positive test – Pirelli motorsport chief Mario Isola tested positive in the Turkish GP and will not be present in Bahrain.
Some visitors like Formula E racing driver and presenter Karun Chandhok commended Bahrain’s handling of the Covid-19 situation.
“Hundreds of us were all tested within a few minutes at the airport by very polite medics,” he said in a tweet.
“Very effective app to give you results and info. Affordable testing kits in supermarkets is also a good example.”
While drivers are saddened by the lack of fans, some of them tried to make the most of the situation by focusing on putting up their best records.
“This was my first year in F1 and while I missed seeing fans, to be honest, having fewer people at each race made it easier for me to focus on the driving itself,” Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi told the GDN.
“We have been trying to limit contact as much as possible and that has created its own challenges while training, with more and more reliance on simulators.”
&uuid=(email))