Red Bull's sporting director Jonathan Wheatley looks on from the pitwall prior to the F1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, Belgium, August 30, 2020. /CFP
Red Bull will be missing their sporting director Jonathan Wheatley for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix after he tested positive for COVID-19 during the routine pre-race tests.
"We can confirm that during mandatory pre-race testing in the UK, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley tested positive for COVID-19," said Red Bull in a statement on Thursday, adding "In accordance with official protocols he will continue to isolate for the 10-day period and not attend the Bahrain GP."
Wheatley did not travel to Bahrain and will now isolate for 10 days, as per UK government protocols.
"Jonathan's duties will be shared by a number of team personnel at this weekend's Bahrain GP," the statement said further.
"The positive test has not resulted in any other team members needing to isolate following contact tracing and will not affect the team's trackside operations."
Red Bull's racing team celebrates the team's 300th race at the F1 Turkish Grand Prix at Intercity Istanbul Park in Istanbul, Turkey, November 15, 2020. /CFP
Wheatley is the latest senior F1 team figure to have contracted coronavirus following positive test results for acting Williams team principal Simon Roberts and Pirelli F1 tire chief Mario Isola in recent weeks.
Roberts was absent from the Turkish Grand Prix after showing mild symptoms and testing positive just before he was scheduled to travel to Istanbul, while Isola tested positive on the day of the race. Both are anticipated to return for this weekend's race in Bahrain.
All F1 personnel are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at least every five days across events as part of the FIA's strict protocols for closed events.
No-one is permitted to enter the circuit without a negative test result, and must also undergo a second test within 24 hours of first arriving at the track.
Spectator stands in Emirates Stadium are covered with flags and banners, in London, England, June 30, 2020. /CFP
Football
Arsenal will be the first Premier League club to welcome fans for a competitive fixture since March after confirming 2,000 spectators will be allowed in for their Europa League match against Rapid Vienna on December 3.
England will return to a regional tiered system when the national coronavirus lockdown ends on December 2, with those areas suffering the worst case rates entering the highest Tier 3.
Most of the country, including London, will enter into Tier 2, allowing 2,000 fans to attend sports events.
An Arsenal statement read: "While we appreciate that reduced-capacity matches will be far from being 'back to normal,' we can't wait to welcome our fans back home for what will be a historic moment for the club."
(With input from agencies)