F1 marshals to run as "a family unit" on revised GP calendar

Formula 1's marshals will be afforded the utmost safety protocols, and operate in what has been described as "a family unit" when the sport returns in early July.

F1 has officially confirmed eight races across Europe to start the 2020 season - with F2 and F3 to run in tandem - but with all events to be behind closed doors.

It means motorsport's renowned 'orange army' face a traditionally busy weekend, but working against the backdrop of increased safety concerns given the global pandemic.

Explaining how the marshals will operate, F1 race director Michael Masi told SkySports F1: “Each of the marshals at each of the posts, that’s the flag marshals and each of them around them, the plan has been for some of those to operate as a family unit or as a cluster.

"That's purely because it’s physically not possible for them to do their job and socially distance in the appropriate manner.

“The other thing will be that they will have the appropriate and required protective equipment, be it with face coverings and gloves and so forth to protect themselves and those around them.

“Then with all of the various vehicles, be it medical vehicles or fire vehicles and so forth, they will continue to operate as they traditionally have, just, however, if they’re not on standby or have been told to get out of the car, just to give them as much space."

Masi is adamant no stone has been left unturned with regard to a team of people that represent a vital cog in the workings of a race weekend, and that plans are continuing.

“The level of detail and thought that has gone into every aspect of how this works and what it looks like to make sure we can deliver a safe event has been huge and is ongoing," added Masi.

"There have been many hours put into it by a large number of people so far, and many more to come before we get there.”

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