A "couple of two-day races" on revamped 2020 Formula 1 calendar

Formula 1

A "couple of two-day races" on revamped 2020 Formula 1 calendar

China is on the shortlist of events to host a two-day race weekend, according to Ross Brawn

Ian Parkes

Thursday 9 April 2020 12:39 Updated: 13:39

Ross Brawn has confirmed Formula 1 is looking into staging "a couple of two-day races" as part of the logistics into a revamped 2020 calendar.

Brawn, F1's managing director of motorsports, concedes that "every permutation is being discussed" in preparation for a return to racing once it is safe to do so given the coronavirus situation.

The main consideration is the staging of events behind closed doors, and the possibility of running triple headers.

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The latter would then result in a two-day weekend, with any practice, alongside qualifying and the race, crammed into a Saturday and Sunday, with China on the shortlist as a host.

"We've tried to look at the logistics, and we may have some two-day races in order to meet the logistical needs," Brawn told Sky F1's Vodcast.

"For instance, China looks like it will probably be a two-day race if we go ahead with it because to get there and get away from it to the next race we are planning, then it could easily be a two-day race.

"So there may be a couple of two-day races in there to make the logistics work."

Brawn has confirmed races such as Singapore are almost impossible to move from its scheduled date change - currently September 18-20 - due to the Marina Bay track being a street circuit.

Other races, however, on more permanent circuits can be shifted, bearing in mind weather considerations.

"Where a race track exists, probably within a month you could hold a race, even less, particularly if it's a closed race," added Brawn.

"With a closed race you're not talking about the marketing and the selling of tickets etcetera, you're talking about what's needed to get everyone there and structured and organised, so it does depend on the type of race it is.

"A race like Singapore would be very difficult to move from its distinct spot. But looking around those schedules, there are some races at slightly odd times, but they would still be okay, from a weather perspective.

"Our guys, along with the FIA and consulting the teams, have got every permutation covered."