Brendan Lines October 8, 2020 02:07am

Mercedes confirmed on Thursday a team member has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, Germany.

Mercedes said it would not reveal the identity of the person affected, but it is neither of the team’s drivers Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas.

A spokesperson said to BBC.com the positive case is “being handled in line with FIA protocols, working closely with the FIA”, ensuring the weekend at the Nurburgring can proceed.

In July, the 2020 F1 restarted under the guidance of extensive Return To Racing protocols set out by the FIA minimising the risks of COVID-19 to personnel.

The protocols include keeping teams isolated from each other, and teams to operate in ‘bubbles,’ while observing social distancing mandatory mask wearing in the paddock, and regular testing.

The positive case comes as the FIA and F1 confirmed that there had been 10 positive cases out of 1,822 tests completed as of last Friday after the Russian Grand Prix in September, which fans were allowed to attend, but in Russia minimal social distancing and mask wearing is required.

German authorities from the Ahrweiler district council has allowed up to 20 000 fans to attend this weekend’s race at the Nurburgring.

A recent decision of the German government allows: “Up to 20% of stadium capacity for major sports events if infection figures are inconspicuous and the public infrastructure allows for social distancing rules to be met,” Ahrweiler district council said.

On Thursday 4,058 new confirmed infections — a jump of more than 1,200, compared to the 2,828 cases on Wednesday were recorded in Germany, the highest amount of cases since the height of the pandemic in March.