A British Grand Prix would be “impossible” this year if elite sport is not exempt from 14-day quarantine restrictions when entering the United Kingdom, Formula One said on Tuesday.
Silverstone is
planning to host two races behind closed doors this summer, subject to
government approval, to make up for some of the lost time in the 2020 F1 season
with 10 races already either cancelled or postponed.
Silverstone
managing director Stuart Pringle says an agreement in principle has been
reached with Formula One to hold the races at the central England circuit,
immediately after the season begins in Austria.
However, the UK
government’s coronavirus recovery strategy document set out an intention to
introduce a 14-day quarantine rule for international arrivals.
“A 14-day
quarantine would make it impossible to have a British Grand Prix this year,” a
Formula One spokesperson told AFP.
“Additionally it
has a major impact on literally tens of thousands of jobs linked to F1 and supply
chains.
“We would be
travelling back to the UK on F1-only occupied aircraft and all staff would be
tested making a quarantine totally unnecessary.
“If all elite sport
is to return to TV then exemptions must be provided.”
Seven of the 10
teams on the grid have bases in England.
British Prime
Minister Boris Johnson told parliament last week the return of sport on
television would “provide a much-needed boost to national morale”.
F1 organisers are
hoping to start the season with the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5 behind closed
doors, followed by a second race at the same venue a week later.
It was hoped
Silverstone could then host two races in the final two weekends in July.
Should quarantine
measures not be lifted for elite sport then they could also have a major impact
on the participation of British sides in European football competition.