Ricciardo tentatively predicts July start for F1

Mark Scott
Daniel Ricciardo excluded from Singapore qualifying

Daniel Ricciardo excluded from Singapore qualifying

Daniel Ricciardo and Renault are holding on to some hope that Formula 1 racing can commence as early as July.

The first eight races originally scheduled on the Formula 1 2020 race calendar have either been postponed or cancelled, but bosses are still planning to reorganise so a 15 to 18-race season can be completed.

There are plans and talks, but sadly nothing concrete on Formula 1’s plans for this year. Ricciardo, though is keeping his fingers crossed that a season start is not too far away.

“I’ve kept in contact with the team and we’re just trying to figure out what is going on,” Ricciardo told talkSPORT. “I’m also aware that no one really has a hold of this virus yet.

“We are predicting maybe July we will get going, but, really, who knows?”

As it stands, Canada is faintly pencilled as the 2020 season opener and Ricciardo thinks it is a track worthy to open a new campaign.

“I mean the fantasy answer is Melbourne – I’d love for it to get started at home – but knowing what I know for now, I don’t think Montreal has been cancelled yet and that is the next one on the list,” he added.

“I love Montreal as a city and a circuit; it’s one of my favourite Grands Prix.

“So if we could start there that would make my day.”

Whilst an official start date is unknown, Ricciardo does retain confidence that it will be “sooner rather than later” for when we get back racing again.

“From the teams’ point of view there is still the annoyance of when we will get going,” he added.

“What I’m seeing in the news is that most places have taken the measures they’ve need to – with lockdowns and not leaving your house – so I feel the sooner everyone starts to contain it that should be the right direction to finally say goodbye to this virus.

“That gives me confidence that sooner rather than later we will see it go off, but for now, from a point of view of the racing, I just want to get racing.

“Obviously Melbourne was a disappointment to not happen, but for sure I want to do it when people’s health is back where it should be. That is the priority.”

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