Motorsport in the UK to restart on July 4

Motorsport UK

Motorsport in the UK to restart on July 4

Events have been on lockdown since March

Ian Parkes

Wednesday 27 May 2020 11:09 Updated: 11:17

Motorsport UK is planning to restart events from July 4, ending what will be more than a three-month shutdown.

The governing body for motorsport in the UK is now willing to accept online permit applications from June 1 ahead of the prospect of events being staged just over a month later.

This would naturally allow the two Formula 1 events planned at Silverstone in late July/early August to go ahead.

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Any resumption is naturally contingent on event organisers demonstrating they can plan in accordance with the recently published, 'Getting Back on Track' guidelines of Motorsport UK, while also respecting government guidance on social distancing.

More importantly, such plans also depend on governments continuing with measures to open up society and that further restrictions resultant of any additional waves of Covid-19 are not required.

Motorsport UK chairman David Richards said: “In March, Motorsport UK moved quickly, and in line with the government, to suspend motorsport, while everyone’s priority was restricting the spread of this terrible disease and protecting the NHS.

"It is now right that, as government has set out plans to ease restrictions, we move in step and introduce the next stage of our phased restart. Unlike many sports, motorsport in the UK is an industry in itself, employing tens of thousands and contributing billions of pounds to the UK economy.

“We always said that, when the conditions were right, we would take a responsible decision to resume motorsport in order to sustain the sport, jobs and the economy.

"We have explained our plans to government and are fortunate that motorsport takes place outdoors over large controlled spaces.

"Our plan is that, subject to government advice and ongoing lifting of restrictions, motorsport will resume from 4th July.

"We are making this announcement now as event organisers, venues, preparation specialists, the supply chain, volunteer marshals, officials and competitors all need time to put in place their plans.”

In order for a permit to be granted, there are certain caveats, in particular, that events are held behind closed doors, with appropriate PPE requirements met, and that each organiser must appoint a Covid-19 officer to ensure compliance with any relevant guidelines.

Motorsport UK has also determined there will be a limit on the number of permits issued for July to 50% of those compared to July of last year to ensure there are sufficient volunteer officials and marshals available to support the restart in a safe and responsible manner.

To reduce national and international travel, but excluding FIA championships such as Formula 1, no national or British championship events will take place in July.

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