Silverstone gets the green light to host two F1 races with no fans in 2020

Northamptonshire track reach agreement with Formula One bosses
Lewis Hamilton celebrates victory at Silverstone in 2019 but the world champ will be racing with no fans this year. Photo: Getty ImagesLewis Hamilton celebrates victory at Silverstone in 2019 but the world champ will be racing with no fans this year. Photo: Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton celebrates victory at Silverstone in 2019 but the world champ will be racing with no fans this year. Photo: Getty Images

Silverstone bosses have agreed a deal with Formula One to stage two grands prix at the Northamptonshire circuit this year.

Talks appeared to have stalled between the track owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club, and F1 over how much Silverstone would be paid to host the behind-closed-doors races.

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But a compromise deal has been hatched after fresh negotiations this week.

Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle today (Friday May 15) revealed: "I am delighted to confirm that Silverstone and Formula 1 have reached an agreement in principle to host two races behind closed doors this summer.

"However, these races will be subject to Government approval, as our priority is the safety of all involved and strict compliance with Covid-19 regulations.

"I would like to thank all our fans who have been so supportive throughout this and to assure them we are determined to do all we can to help Formula 1 put on a show this summer."

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No dates have yet been confirmed but tentative plans have been to kick-off the delayed 2020 season with two races in Austria on July 5 and July 12, following by two at Silverstone on July 19 — the original date for the British Grand Prix — and July 26.

However that could be threatened by the UK Government's plan to force everybody flying into the country to quarantine for two weeks.

Seven of the ten F1 teams are based in the Britain, including world champions Mercedes and Brackley and Racing Point, whose HQ is just across the road from the Silverstone track.

But drivers and engineers travel internationally from race to race and cars need to return to factories between races, especially if they are involved in accidents.