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British GP organisers offer to host two F1 races in 2020 - report

The British Grand Prix organisers are confident that they could host two consecutive races at Sil...



British GP organisers offer to...
Other Sports

British GP organisers offer to host two F1 races in 2020 - report

The British Grand Prix organisers are confident that they could host two consecutive races at Silverstone this summer if required.

Like all sports worldwide Formula One is in limbo after the season - due to start in March - was postponed until June due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The managing director at Silverstone, Stuart Pringle, has told the Guardian newspaper that they have started to plan and put preparations in place for two races at the iconic racetrack.

"We have discussed all sorts of permutations including hosting two races over one weekend and two races over consecutive weekends," Pringle said.

"I have complete confidence in our ability to put on these events. We have a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge, we can turn that on definitely."

Those discussions have been taking place with Formula One group who are mulling over many options with regard to kick-starting the F1 calendar.

If they went ahead with the two race option at the Northamptonshire circuit, the likelihood is that it would be without fans in attendance.

"F1 has been working very hard to try and work out what the solution for the world championship is," Pringle said.

"We have been in regular contact with them, and have been asked could we hold a race or two and could they be behind closed doors.

"The answer is absolutely, we are open to looking into anything and everything."

No track has ever held two races in succession in the same season and if Silverstone did, Pringle was also keen to point out that they will be heeding government advice and that public safety would be the priority.

"It’s important any discussion of a return to racing is appropriate," he said.

"Otherwise we risk being a distraction to the main message which is stay at home and we don’t want to do that."

Meanwhile, the French Grand Prix on 28 June had been pencilled in as the new season opener.

Its remote location and nearby airstrip were thought to be ideal for a spectator free Grand Prix but French President Emmanuel Macron has extended a ban on large public events until July.

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F1 Formula One Grand Prix Silverstone Stuart Pringle