British Grand Prix under increasing threat of being called off

The British Grand Prix is under increasing threat of being called off after Motorsport UK suspended all organising permits "until at least 30th June".

The move from motorsport's governing body for the United Kingdom comes following the tightened measures announced on Monday evening to prevent the spread of the coronavirus across the country.

With the British Grand Prix due to take place at Silverstone from July 17-19, with the event usually the best attended on the F1 calendar, drawing in a three-day crowd close to 350,000, the prospects for the race going ahead are doubtful.

“Motorsport UK has a vital role to play with its community in re-inforcing that, at this time of national emergency, we must all stay at home to play our part in protecting the NHS and ultimately saving lives," said chairman David Richards.

"The government have required that we effectively lock-down for a period of three weeks, however, given that the most vulnerable in our society are required to isolate for three months, it is evident that the most responsible course of action was to propose a longer suspension of our sport.

"When we reflect back on this time, it will be a brief, but vital hiatus from our everyday motorsport life and we must put this in perspective.

"This is a time of national unity and we need to come together with the broader public community to do all we can to support this battle and ultimately save lives.” The move comes following feedback from Motorsport UK's members and the community for increased clarity to allow them to plan appropriately and, should the need arise, for contingency measures to be put in place if necessary.

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