With the start of the 2020 Formula One season not that far away ROKiT Williams driver George Russell has been keeping himself busy by taking part in the Virtual GP series but at some time soon he is hoping that he can return to the track prior to the first of the post virus lockdown races in Austria on July 5.

In an interview with Sky Sports Russell spoke of his desire to have an opportunity to complete some running in a Formula car prior to the return to the 2020 Williams. This could be in an older F1 car, teams are permitted to run pre-2019 specification cars, or even in a Formula 2 or Formula 3 machine. Like all the 2020 drivers Russell has been locked away unable to take part in any running on the track. It has been just over four months since the last time he ran in an F1 car in winter testing.

As for his push to run in even an older car Russell said: “Yeah absolutely, that’s something I’ll really be trying to do. I think realistically karting will be the first opportunity I get so as soon as I can I’ll be karting but ultimately I want to try and jump in a Formula 1 car before we go back racing again. So whether that’s in a Williams or in a Mercedes we have to wait and see.

“Just to get some laps under our belt, but it may even be in a Formula 3 car or Formula 2 car as well. So, anything that’s got four wheels and can go round a racetrack will be better than nothing.”

As for how he has coped with not been able to get any running on a track Russell spoke of how difficult it has been in maintaining his physical fitness.

Russell added: “It’s incredibly difficult. I don’t think there’s any drivers with a race circuit and a Formula 1 car in their back garden, it’s not like a footballer who can just go out and kick a football and do their own training so it’s very difficult.

“I’m doing everything I can in the gym I’ve got here, cardio wise either running or cycling and also from a mental standpoint, just trying to keep myself occupied.

“Doing things like learning to juggle, just trying to keep my mind occupied trying to stay on the ball as much as I can.

As for his taking part in sim racing  Russell added that he has also used this as part of his regime in keeping on top of things mentally. He said: “I’ve recently invested in more top quality simulator equipment, and started not only to do it for fun but actually start training on there and thinking you know what, this is the closest I’ve got to reality and I need to to stay sharp and be ready for whenever we go back.”