Following the complete cancellation of the French Grand Prix, the expectation is that the 2020 season will finally be able to get underway in July at the Red Bull Ring, with Silverstone also looking at ways in which in can host a race. Both circuits have said that they’re open to hosting two races this year but whatever happens, sadly, Silverstone has said that fans will not be able to attend this year.
Circuit boss Stuart Pringle said:
“I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone.
“We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the Government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.
“Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and Race Makers, and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.
“We have consistently said that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year.
“Following this weekend’s news from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors.
As one of the best-attended races each year, it’s going to be a huge blow to fans hoping to attend this year – although given the current situation, chances are anyone’s hopes of attending any massive sporting event diminished a long time ago.
Pringle added that ticket holders would be entitled to attend next year’s race or a full refund.
“Customers who have purchased a ticket will be given the option of either transferring their booking directly to 2021 or of taking a full refund.
“All customers will be contacted in the next two weeks with full details, so we do ask you to please be patient with us as we work through all our bookings.
“I can also confirm that next year, we intend to give away thousands of tickets for the 2021 event to NHS and other key workers who have literally been putting their lives on the line for us all, during these challenging times. No one can be in any doubt of the huge debt of gratitude we owe to them.”
Top image (c) XPB Images
