Hungarian GP 'only possible behind closed gates'

The Hungarian Grand Prix will take place behind closed doors, if at all, in 2020.

On the current calendar, the Hungarian Grand Prix sits as the third race of the season. However, the race has now been added to a growing list of events that will be closed to the public.

"The Hungaroring team has been waiting until the very end and is still working with the international rights holder, but it has now become clear that we cannot hold the 35th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix in front of spectators despite all our efforts," read a statement from Hungarian Grand Prix officials.

"In recent weeks, we have been constantly voicing that we are open to any solution in order to host the Grand Prix again this year, and it became clear yesterday that all this is only possible behind closed gates.

"We will continue to work with the international promoter to find the best possible solution."

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The troubles may not end here for the race though, with Hungarian authorities extending a ban on gatherings of 500 or more people until August 15 - the Hungarian Grand Prix due to take place on August 2 with around 2,000 people required to make a race happen.

Early reports suggest that strong government support for the race could enable the event to go ahead despite the ban, but there is also the option to postpone by several weeks into one of the other currently vacant weekend slots.

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