Silverstone confirms any British Grand Prix will be closed to fans

Should the British Grand Prix take place this year, Silverstone chief Stuart Pringle says the race would take place behind closed doors given the challenges caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

F1 bosses are currently working on a revised calendar for 2020, after the pandemic forced a series of races of cancellations and postponements. Earlier today, organisers in France confirmed the 2020 French Grand Prix will not go ahead.

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Several countries have restrictions on people’s movements and mass governments make it tricky to host events such as international sport, meaning discussions are focused on closed doors spectacles in a bid to get calendars back up and running.

Silverstone are currently in talks with the British government and F1 bosses regarding the viability of hosting the race, which was set for July, at some stage during the campaign but without fans.

“I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone,” said Pringle. “We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.

“Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and Race Makers, and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.

“We have consistently said that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year.

“Following this weekend's news from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors. Should this be possible, it will be of some small comfort for you to know that the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix will be available to watch live on Sky and Channel 4 (in the UK).”

Silverstone say ticketholders can either transfer their booking to the 2021 Grand Prix or take a full refund. They add they will be giving thousands of tickets to next year’s race to NHS and other key workers after their efforts on the front line fighting coronavirus.

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