Austrian government will "not stand in the way" of behind-closed-doors race

Austrian Grand Prix

Austrian government will "not stand in the way" of behind-closed-doors race

July 5 race could be held without fans

Sam Hall

Wednesday 15 April 2020 17:21 Updated: 17:58

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The Austrian Grand Prix could go ahead behind closed doors.

That is the message from Austrian sports minister and vice-chancellor Werner Kogler, who has confirmed his government will not stand in the way of such a possibility.

Kogler has confirmed holding talks with the Styrian governor and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko regarding the July 5 race.

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"We don't want to stand in the way," said Kogler. "This is a completely different situation than games in a stadium. Several people are affected.

"The minimum distance rules would have to be observed in the same way, of course. But that seems possible.

"I don't want to hide the fact that I'm in contact with the Styrian governor in this regard. This would be in the existing calendar in July.

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"Ultimately, the sports federations must decide that for themselves. And that I was also in contact with Helmut Marko, who for his part plays a corresponding role at Red Bull and has acted as a mediator.

"I told him I would like to honour this, that we will forward all the applicable guidelines to the relevant motorsport associations as a service, so that they can see what is possible or not."

Currently, visitors to Austria are required to self isolate or to hold specific health documentation, and this is believed to be the biggest stumbling block to the event taking place.

"[Formula 1] is an international convoy in the best sense of the word," added Kogler. "That must then be considered within the framework of the existing restrictions on entry and exit.

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"I do not want to anticipate the need for an exemption here or there. It is only in principle that this will either be linked to isolation or to health certificates, which I know are now also possible.

"In principle, I have been told by Formula 1 itself that, from its point of view, this could actually work out. Even if one or the other goes into isolation first.

"But I do not want to interfere in that. I just want to know that the existing regulations are being applied. What is important for us is that the distance regulations must apply.

"And at some point, of course, it will also be a question of the people in this convoy, because tens of thousands are less favourable than thousands, I think, because with every number the probability increases that something will happen anyway."

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