London (AFP)
The organizers of the British F1 grand prix have said they are ready to hold two grand prix in a row to encourage the resumption of the world championship interrupted and seriously compromised by the coronavirus, a track also studied in Austria.
Nine of the 22 races in the 2020 season have already been canceled (Australia, Monaco) or postponed indefinitely (Bahrain, China, Vietnam, Netherlands, Spain, Azerbaijan, Canada) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The French GP scheduled for June 28 is the first of the races yet scheduled, but its holding is uncertain.
In Austria (race scheduled for July 5), the organizers are ready to organize two grand prix in a row, the second on weekdays, according to one of Red Bull executives, Helmut Marko, who spoke on Austrian radio ORF.
A request to organize a closed-door race on the Spielberg circuit has also been sent to the government, with a "very high" chance of being approved, according to him.
Austria was one of the first European countries to loosen some restrictions this week to fight the coronavirus epidemic.
Silverstone circuit director Stuart Pringle also told The Guardian on Sunday that discussions were underway with F1 bosses on the assumption of two grand prix in a row on the famous British track.
The Silverstone GP is scheduled for July 19 and is likely to take place behind closed doors.
F1 sports director Ross Brawn said the season could kick off in July in Europe, possibly with "an in camera event" during an interview with Sky Sports last Wednesday.
© 2020 AFP