MINISTERS are working on a plan to save the British Grand Prix on its 70th anniversary this summer, The Sun can reveal.
It looked set to join the other nine Formula 1 races already cancelled worldwide due to the pandemic — and its 300,000 ticket-holders have been offered refunds.
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Ministers are working on a plan to save Britain’s Formula 1 Grand Prix on its 70th anniversary this summerCredit: Reuters
But culture ministers are now working with F1 bosses on an ambitious proposal to run a televised race without any spectators, The Sun has learned.
Both sides are desperate to save the spectacle — set for Silverstone on Sunday, July 19 — if they can, as it is an iconic event in Britain’s sporting calendar.
The circuit in Northants has its own 70th anniversary this summer, as it hosted the nation’s first grand prix in 1950.
Fans were given hope as a senior Government source said: “We’re having regular talks and everyone is being positive. If we can do this safely, we should try to get it on.”
F1 chiefs now think they can restart the season, with all races closed events, beginning in Austria on July 5.
Under the plan, the sport’s vast travelling caravan would be in a sealed bubble. F1’s ten teams would share private chartered flights, stay in the same block-booked hotels and travel to and from circuits in special coaches, mingling only with each other.
The Formula 1’s 2020 season has seen nine of its global events cancelled due to the pandemicCredit: Reuters
Ministers are working with F1 bosses on an proposal to run a televised race without spectatorsCredit: Reuters
There would be strict virus testing, with social distancing rules enforced. An industry source said: “We are confident we can relaunch safely.”
Of the grand prixs called off so far, just Australia and Monaco were cancelled.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he is “hopeful” top football can return next month behind closed doors.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
