Silverstone announces British Grand Prix to be held behind closed doors while French GP is cancelled

The cancellation of the French race, which was due to be held at Circuit Paul Ricard on June 28^th, has pushed the start of the 2020 season back yet further, with the earliest possible commencement now July. This is the 10^th race to have been cancelled or postponed by the COVID-19 global crisis.

While there has yet to be an announcement from the organisers of the interim Austrian GP, scheduled for July 5^th, it has also today been confirmed that the Silverstone GP, on July 19^th, will be held without fans.

The announcement was made on the circuit’s social media channels, and shared to ticket holders via email.

"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,” wrote Managing Director Stuart Pringle.

"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.

"Should this be possible, it will be of some small comfort for you to know that the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix will be available to watch live on Sky and Channel 4.”