Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel is cleared to return for Australian Grand Prix after missing opening two rounds with coronavirus... as Aston Martin remain without a POINT this season

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Sebastian Vettel has been declared fit to take part in next Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion, 34, has been sidelined for the opening two races of the new Formula One season with coronavirus.

But Vettel's Aston Martin team confirmed he will return for F1's first visit to Melbourne in two years.

Sebastian Vettel has been declared fit to take part in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix

Vettel has been sidelined for the opening two races of the new F1 season with coronavirus

The British team said: 'We are pleased to confirm that Sebastian Vettel is now fit to race and will therefore line up alongside Lance Stroll in Melbourne to kick off his 2022 F1 season at the Australian Grand Prix.'

Formula 1 replied to Aston Martin's statement, adding: 'Things you love to see. Welcome back, Seb!'  

Although mandatory testing has been scrapped by Formula One, teams are continuing with the process.

F1 has made it compulsory for all team personnel to be vaccinated this year.

But drivers will still be banned from the paddock if they return a positive test in a country where isolation is not required. 

It is understood this is unlikely to change in the immediate future. 

Aston Martin are without a point following a poor start to the season without Vettel (pictured)

Aston Martin are, however, without a point following a poor start to the season while missing Vettel.

Vettel's Covid-replacement, Aston Martin's reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg, finished 17th and last in Bahrain and then 12th in Saudi Arabia last weekend.

It is the second time the German has been called up to race in F1 since he left the sport having filled in for Sergio Perez at Racing Point after he contracted coronavirus last season.