Mercedes will return to Formula 1 action next week after arranging a two-day test at British Grand Prix venue Silverstone.
Formula 1 has been on hiatus since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic but announced earlier this week that it intends to begin the 2020 season in Austria in July.
Eight races will be held across a 10-week period in Austria, Hungary, Britain, Spain, Belgium and Italy, with further events yet to be determined.
Mercedes will head to Silverstone next week for a two-day test and will use its title-winning W08 from 2017, as permitted under Formula 1 regulations.
Valtteri Bottas will drive on Tuesday while reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton will get behind the wheel on Wednesday.
The team confirmed it will be “practicing protocols ahead of returning to racing in Austria next month.”
Teams are allowed to arrange private tests, usually for young drivers, though these must take place with cars that are two or more years old, hence why Mercedes is using its 2017-spec W08.
Formula 1 teams have returned to work this week after a prolonged factory shutdown in order to cut costs.
Social distancing is being enforced where possible, with personnel working in shifts to reduce the number of people in the factory, while regular testing and temperature checks are being carried out.
McLaren’s Lando Norris returned to track action on Wednesday as he linked up with junior squad Carlin at Silverstone to carry out laps aboard an old-specification Formula 3 car.
Silverstone has been confirmed to host two rounds of the 2020 championship, with the British Grand Prix on August 2, and the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix on August 9.
