Oscar Piastri granted exemption to return to UK for FIA Formula 3
Australian Oscar Piastri has been granted an official travel exemption by the Australian government to return to the United Kingdom and continue his preparations for the upcoming FIA Formula 3 season.
Piastri, 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup Champion, has been based in England for five years, returning to Melbourne for sponsor commitments at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. With the grand prix cancelled and international travel banned due to coronavirus restrictions, Piastri was stuck in Australia.
"I came back for just Grand Prix week, and here I am two months later, finally leaving. It's been unexpected for everyone, but I've made the most of the time with my family – it's been good," he said.
"It's been the longest stay I've had with my family for the last five years, so it's been good to spend good quality time with my parents and sisters."
Piastri will contest the FIA Formula 3 season with Prema Racing, as part of the Renault Sport Academy.
The 19-year-old says he has kept himself race-ready with daily gym and simulator sessions.
"We've got a gym at home, so I've been training there. I've also been using the race simulator to keep sharp [behind the wheel]. I've been working hard and having some fun along the way too.
"With no real racing, a lot of the drivers have been jumping onto SIM racing, and it's been good to virtually race a few guys I'll be racing this year. Hopefully, I can settle a few of the battles on the real racetrack soon.
"We're starting in Austria for what's likely to be back-to-back race weekends, but we don't actually know where the second round is yet, so we've just got to take it one race at a time and, hopefully, have a good start to the year."
Piastri had also been completing his school studies in the UK, but with A-levels cancelled, he has now completed his education.
"I'm now officially finished with school, so getting [my studies] out of the way before the season started is probably an unexpected bonus from the pandemic for me."
The 2020 FIA Formula 3 season is scheduled to re-commence July 3-5 alongside the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix.
