Police beg F1 fans: 'Don't burst the Silverstone bio bubble' as Northamptonshire hosts second GP in a week

Police are pleading with frustrated F1 fans not to burst the Silverstone bubble this weekend.

The Northamptonshire circuit hosts the second of two back-to-back Grands Prix behind closed doors because of the Covid-19 crisis.

An exclusion zone around the track kept drivers and teams secure in a bio-secure “bubble” allowing the race to go ahead at all.

But there will still four arrests for trespass by eager fans trying to snatch a glimpse of heroes such as world champion Lewis Hamilton, who won the race in the dramatic fashion despite a last-lap puncture.

Supt Dennis Murray is event commander for this weekend’s Emirates F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix — marking the first world championship race Silverstone in May 1950.

Supt Murray said: “It is completely understandable that fans will want to be close to the circuit during the build-up to Sunday race and on the day itself. But unfortunately that is simply not possible this year.

"Access to the local area around Silverstone will be extremely restricted all weekend and I am urging fans to enjoy the event by watching it on TV at home.

"As at last weekend's British Grand Prix, security measures in place will be as stringent as ever."

Fences will be screened off and lay-bys near the circuit coned off to make sure fans keep their distance, although locals out walking will be able to enjoy the weekend sunshine.

Supt Murray added: "As long as residents carry their passes, there should be no problems. Issues faced last week were some people gathering instead of walking and if this happens then we may be forced to prevent locals from coming through due to the public health risk."

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.