F1 chiefs are confident the British Grand Prix will go ahead as planned with 400,000 fans – despite the delay of Freedom Day.
There were concerns that the race, which is scheduled for July 18th, would be forced to go behind closed doors for a second year following Boris Johnson’s announcement that covid restrictions would remain in place.
However, both F1 and Silverstone bosses have been working with the government to get the race put on to the list of exemptions.
It would mean that Saturday’s new sprint race and Sunday’s grand prix could both be 140,000 sell-outs, with a further 120,000 fans across Thursday and Friday.
Race bosses have put together a proposal that shows that Silverstone’s 70,000 seats are spread over a distance of 3.5miles.
They also point out that there would be less mingling between fans, as there are no public transport options, so people would be travelling in their own cars.
Lewis Hamilton won the British GP last year in front of empty grandstands in dramatic fashion, crossing the finishing line with just three wheels on his Mercedes after a last-lap puncture.
Silverstone is set to stage a new Formula One sprint race to decide the British Grand Prix starting grid.
The famous Northamptonshire circuit will be one of three venues to trial the new 30-minute concept.
The dramatic shake-up of the F1 weekend is set to see qualifying take place on Friday where drivers will fight for spots on the starting grid for Saturday’s sprint.
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The sprint will then determine where cars line up on the track for Sunday’s showpiece race.
But Hamilton and Co will not be spraying the champagne after triumphing thanks to their speed off the mark – podium celebrations are reserved for the main event.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
