Silverstone reassures its fans after the latest restrictions in the UK are postponed
This Monday, Boris Johnson delayed the end of the latest Covid restrictions by four weeks. The Silverstone Grand Prix could attract less audience than anticipated, but the circuit's leaders are reassuring.
The British government announced on Monday that the end of the country’s lockdown would be postponed by four weeks. Boris Johnson’s lifting of restrictions would then fall on July 19, the day after the British Grand Prix.
With the current restrictions, events are limited to 10,000 people or 25% of the total capacity of the site (the rule depends on the total capacity of the venue). The Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit could reconsider its plans, as they were hoping to host 140,000 spectators on Sunday.
However, the British Grand Prix, Euro 2020, and Wimbledon are part of the Events Research Programme, which aims to examine the transmission of Covid-19 during events and allow the public to attend them safely. The race at the British circuit could therefore provide important information on the viability and relaxation of rules regarding outdoor events.
In a statement released last night by the circuit, the organizers are reassuring and state that discussions are ongoing.
Following today’s announcement (Monday, June 14), confirming that the easing of lockdown restrictions will be delayed by four weeks, we want to reassure you that we remain confident that fans will be back at Silverstone for the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.
(e) Our ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as well as with Public Health England, are positive. We will communicate all the details to you once we have them.
Despite ongoing negotiations, it is unlikely that the Grand Prix will take place with full attendance. However, unlike Wimbledon and Euro 2020, spectators travel to Silverstone on their own and do not cross paths on public transport, limiting the risk of transmission. Furthermore, the event takes place over a much larger area than in stadiums, so social distancing measures would be easier to implement.
The final decision regarding the attendance of spectators at Silverstone could be revealed in the coming days.
