Daniel Ricciardo believes Formula 1 is targeting July to finally begin the 2020 season.
So far, the first eight races have either been postponed or cancelled due to the Coronavirus, meaning this year will see the latest start to a championship calendar in the sport’s history.
As it stands, two races, the Canadian and French Grand Prix, are set to take place in June, but based on what he’s heard, Ricciardo expects them to meet the same fate as the other events so far.
“I’ve kept in contact with the team and we’re just trying to figure out what is going on,” the Australian 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?”
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As governments around the world take measures to overcome the coronavirus, Ricciardo is hopeful F1 can get back on track sooner rather than later.
“From the teams’ point of view there is still the annoyance of when we will get going,” he continued.
“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.”
If the event in Montreal can go ahead as planned though, Ricciardo, who won his first F1 race there in 2014, would be more than happy if it became the season opener.
“I mean the fantasy answer is Melbourne, I’d love for it to get started at home,” he said on where he’d like to race first.
“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.
“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.”