Race fans warned to stay well clear of Silverstone during GP weekends or risk wrecking the F1 season
The officer in charge of policing next month's two Silverstone Grands Prix is warning fans to stay well clear of the area — or risk wrecking the entire Formula One season.
Event commander Superintendent Dennis Murray confirmed there will be tight controls and an exclusion zone around the Northamptonshire circuit.
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Hide AdAnd he told petrolheads to scrap any ideas about trying to get close enough for a sight or even a sound of their heroes in action.
Supt Murray said: "Silverstone has put strict measures in place to minimise infection risk to protect race personnel,event staff and the local community.
"Any uncontrolled gathering of people in the area would not only compromise the event but the entire Formula One season.
"We completely understand fans may be tempted to be close to the circuit for the races but unfortunately that will not be possible this year and access to the local area will be extremely restricted.
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Hide Ad"I am urging fans to enjoy these events from home as it will not be permissible, or in fact possible, to spectate from the perimeter fences.
"Anybody attempting to do so will be turned away by Silverstone security who will be tightly controlling these areas, or my officers."
Silverstone will host the the British Grand Prix on August 2 — two weeks later that originally scheduled — and the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix a week later as part of the revamped F1 calendar.
The 2020 season only started in Austria two weeks ago after being delayed by the global Covid-19 crisis.
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Hide AdTeams will start arriving from midweek before the race. But no fans will be allowed near the circuit as all staff and drivers such as world champion Lewis Hamiltton — who drives for Brackley-based Mercedes — are kept in a bio-secure bubble to avoid risking spreading the virus.
Any contact with outsiders who then test positive for Covid-19 could lead to drivers having to isolate instead of racing in Grands Prix that follow.
Some road closures usually associated with the event — which attracts around 140,000 people on race day alone — will still be in place.
Supt Murray added: "Though the races are being held behind closed doors, the security measures we are putting in place will be as stringent as ever.
"There will be road closures to prevent gatherings and risk of Covid-19 transmission and fence lines will be scrimmed to prevent people attempting to watch.
"Put simply, please do not attend."