British Grand Prix given behind-closed-doors go ahead

British GP

British Grand Prix given behind-closed-doors go ahead

Top-level sport to resume without fans in the UK from June 1

Ian Parkes

Monday 11 May 2020 15:33 Updated: 15:57

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Silverstone officials have been given the green light to stage the Formula 1 British Grand Prix behind closed doors.

Following the cancellation or postponement of the opening 10 races of this season, F1 has long anticipated any start to the campaign would be without fans.

At present arrangements are in the pipeline to commence with a double-header in Austria, starting on July 5, to be followed by the second race in midweek on July 8 or the following Sunday on July 12.

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It is hoped a British Grand Prix would follow on its currently scheduled date of July 19, or potentially be moved to July 26.

The British government has now confirmed it is to allow top-level sports events to be staged behind closed doors from June 1 providing sufficient progress has been made to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

A 50-page guidance document issued by the government has detailed how England is to begin easing out of its current lockdown measures.

From June 1, there will be the permitting of "cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact".

The document adds that the reopening of venues that attract large crowds such as sports stadia "may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections".

There is a major caveat, however, that a 14-day quarantine restriction has been imposed on all visitors arriving into England.

This would naturally have a significant impact on the staging of a race at Silverstone should the F1 circus have previously visited Austria.

It is understood, though, that F1 officials are currently in talks with the government over the prospect of an exemption.

Before you go...

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