Daniel Ricciardo will have his first opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 machine since the coronavirus-induced season suspension, in preparation for next month’s revised calendar opener in Austria.
Ricciardo will partner new teammate Esteban Ocon in a two-day test at the Spielberg venue on June 16-17, piloting the team’s 2018 R.S.18.
Neither Ricciardo nor Ocon were with Renault in 2018, however, as the car is more than two-seasons old the French marque can complete as many laps as they desire.
The decision to test at the Austrian venue over the team’s home circuit in France means the outfit’s British and French-based employees can travel to the Red Bull Ring without having to undergo a 14-day mandatory isolation period.
“A big thank you to all team members who have come together to find logistical solutions to give our drivers the best possible preparation for the first two races of the season in Austria,” read a statement from the team.
Renault suffered a turbulent pre-season testing regime, often the sixth fastest car as both Racing Point and McLaren had seemingly overtaken the two-time world champions in outright performance.
Since the curtailed Australian Grand Prix, Ricciardo announced his departure from Renault after just 2 seasons in yellow.
The 30-year-old will partner Lando Norris at pitlane rivals McLaren from 2021 as the Australian continues his pursuit back towards the front of the grid.
