Optimism remains over the British Grand Prix despite new UK quarantine laws

British Grand Prix

Optimism remains over the British Grand Prix despite new UK quarantine laws

14-day self-isolation introduced for all international arrivals to the UK

Sam Hall

Saturday 23 May 2020 18:00

The government of the United Kingdom has implemented a 14-day quarantine period for all international arrivals, including citizens returning home from abroad - but Silverstone officials remain confident that the Formula 1 British Grand Prix can still take place.

In a move that had been expected for some time, the UK government have introduced a 14-day period of self-isolation for all international arrivals to the country.

"At this time of national emergency, it is crucial that we continue to remain alert and save countless more lives, and that means doing everything in our power to control this terrible disease," said Home Secretary, Priti Patel. "Taking the right action, at the right time, to prevent a second deadly wave.

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"And that is why I am announcing today, the next step in our cross government approach, and these include temporary public health restrictions at the boarder.

"As other restrictions have finally started to ease following two hard months of lockdown, the answer as to why we are bringing these measures in now is simple. It is to protect that hard won progress and prevent a devastating resurgence in a second wave of the virus.

"We are following the science, and introducing public health measures that are supported by SAGE [the government Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies], and this will require international arrivals to self-isolate for 14-days.

"That is the incubation period of the virus. So that if people have become infected overseas, we can limit the spread of the virus at home."

The second of two proposed grands prix in Austria is due to take place on July 12, with a single blank weekend separating the event from the first of two races at Silverstone. Put simply, there is not enough time to adhere to a two-week quarantine period before going racing.

Some hope was given to race fans when Patel confirmed: "We will review these temporary public health measures every three weeks, to ensure they remain the right ones for our roadmap to recovery."

Exemptions were mentioned in further comments, but these are understood to only extend to medics and arrivals from Ireland.

Despite the difficulties now facing the British Grand Prix, Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle told Sky Sports that he remains optimistic that an arrangement can be reached.

"I am very clear that the importance of the industry is understood by government. I remain very optimistic that they will find a way. I'm very, very conscious that it's extremely complicated drafting these things and working up against ever-moving deadlines - it's not a task I'd wish to undertake," said Pringle.

"So I remain optimistic that a sensible and pragmatic solution, which puts the onus on the sport quite rightly to come up with the right solution, can be found."

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