Gasly shuns virtual world, vows to be 'stronger' for F1 start

Pierre Gasly admitted Sunday that he was happy to shun Formula One's hastily-organised virtual world as he concentrates on getting "physically stronger" for when real racing belatedly gets underway in June.

The French driver told AFP he had been ready to hit the ground running for last week's scheduled season-opener in Melbourne.

However, the global spread of the deadly coronavirus virus saw Melbourne cancelled with six other races also shelved, including the sport's crown jewel of Monaco.

"When I arrived in Australia, I had almost zero jet lag, I felt great. But when they announced that we would not be racing, it hit me," said 24-year-old Gasly.

"I had been so excited, there had been so much preparation with the team and physically all winter.

"At the time, we were a little frustrated not to be racing because that is what I want to do and it's what motivates me.

"But when you see the situation, there is no way to avoid postponing events, sports or otherwise."
- 'Lose two, three kilos' - ===========================
"I already felt largely ready, we had worked really well during the winter, but to add another two months of preparation, it's an opportunity to be even stronger physically when the season starts."
"But if we have three or four races in a row, it is up to us to prepare in the best condition, pay even more attention to recovery and to be at 100 per cent capacity each time."