Silverstone sees double for the British Grand Prix
The races of the 2020 calendar are beginning to take shape. After the proposal of the Austrian Grand Prix in July, it is the turn of the British Grand Prix to prepare to host two competitions on two consecutive weekends during the summer of 2020.
The current context and the high uncertainty related to the evolution of Covid-19 worldwide continue to pose challenges for organizers in scheduling the Grand Prix for the 2020 season.
For Formula 1, and to ensure the start of the season, the option of races behind closed doors seems to have been adopted. The director of the Silverstone circuit announced a agreement in principle between Formula 1 and the British circuit to host two races behind closed doors during the summer of 2020. Although this agreement has sealed the partnership between the organizers, it will still be necessary to wait for the government’s opinion to ensure the safety of all stakeholders during this event.
According to the initial plans mentioned, the competitions should take place on July 26 and August 02, allowing for the organization of team movements after the Austrian Grand Prix, which is also scheduled in two stages on July 5 and 12, 2020.
If the principle of a double event in Great Britain is confirmed, the details of the races themselves have not yet been specified. The director of the Silverstone circuit emphasized the organizers’ determination to ensure an interesting spectacle for the fans. Thus, several ideas are in development but have all shown their limitations, whether in terms of complying with F1 regulations in the case of reversed grids or conforming to driver safety standards in the case of reversed layouts.
Despite the announcement of this agreement for two British Grand Prix, Formula 1 continues to explore alternatives in case it is impossible to hold these races, with the Hockenheim circuit as the leading substitute.
