Racing Point defends its handling of the Stroll case at the Nürburgring

Lance Stroll's announcement of his positive Coronavirus test on the evening of the Eifel Grand Prix (October 9-11) did not fail to raise many questions, mainly around the robustness of the health protocol put in place by the FIA ​​and especially its respect by Racing Point. 

The team based in Silverstone (United Kingdom) quickly reacted through the voice of its CEO Otmar Szafnauer, who defended its management of the situation. 

« As Lance said this morning on social networks, Racing Point confirms its positive screening for Covid-19 on Sunday October 11, declared the American in an official press release. Lance had left the team bubble in Germany on Saturday October 10 as he was unable to compete due to a persistent stomach ache. 

Lance first complained of such pain during the Russian Grand Prix and subsequently underwent several negative Coronavirus tests. These screenings were carried out in compliance with FIA protocols but also those of Racing Point. 

Lance also returned a negative test before traveling to Germany, during screening carried out ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix. He suffered from stomach aches again on Saturday, which forced him to withdraw from the race. Lance then stayed in his motorhome, far from the paddock. He consulted a doctor who did not think these were symptoms related to Covid-19 and did not advise retesting. Based on this medical advice, there was no obligation to inform the FIA ​​of the nature of the illness. 

Lance took a private plane back to his home in Switzerland on Sunday morning. As part of the very strict Racing Point protocol, which requires all team members to undergo screening after each Grand Prix, Lance carried out a new test, which came back positive. He then quarantined himself for 10 days, as required by local regulations. He tested negative last Monday and will travel to Portugal this week ». 

These first justifications surely call for others this week in Portimão.