Lewis Hamilton happy with form after test return at wet Silverstone

Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton stated it was good to know he may nonetheless drive after returning to the monitor in a Formula One automobile for the primary time in additional than 100 days at Silverstone on Wednesday. A day after his workforce mate Valtteri Bottas returned to motion in dry situations, Hamilton put his title-winning 2018 Mercedes W09 automobile by way of its paces on a greasy monitor after early showers. The workforce is practising protocols for the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5, which is able to function the season opener.

“I didn’t feel like I’ve ever left the water, so that’s a positive,” Hamilton stated in a video posted on Mercedes’ social media channels. “I think every time you take a big break — I think it’s been 103 days or something — you always wonder whether you can still drive.

“So it’s a good feeling to know of course I can, I’m ready, I feel fit. I hope you guys are all well and excited for what’s coming up.”

Formula One has launched an preliminary calendar of eight races in 10 weeks, all of which will likely be held with out followers current and in managed situations because of the novel coronavirus outbreak which has killed over 411,200 folks globally. Hamilton stated he was blissful to be behind the wheel once more.

“When you leave the garage the first time you get this buzz, and it doesn’t matter how many years you do it, it always feels new and fresh,” Hamilton stated. “Obviously this is an older car but it still felt fantastic. In general we got through a solid programme today.

“Valtteri’s day was dry, my day started off wet, so quite a greasy Silverstone track. But obviously I grew up in this kind of weather, so I’m used to it. I was still able to get a good feel of the car.” The assessments are allowed below FIA guidelines because the workforce is utilizing an older automobile which needs to be run to up to date specs with none present components trialled.

They should additionally use testing tyres supplied by Pirelli, relatively than the 2020 race rubber.